The momentum in the Betway Premiership has officially shifted. After Orlando Pirates faltered with a 1-1 draw against Siwelele, the defending champions didn’t hesitate to pounce. Mamelodi Sundowns’ clinical 3-1 victory over Marumo Gallants has catapulted them to a two-point lead at the summit, with their ninth consecutive league title now firmly in their own hands.
As the “Brazilians” look to close out the season, here is the roadmap for both title contenders in what promises to be a photo-finish May.
Mamelodi Sundowns: The Run-In
With Masandawana currently on an eight-match winning streak, their remaining fixtures suggest a squad that could wrap up the league before the final day.
| Date | Opponent | Venue | Time |
| Tuesday, 7 April | Durban City | Chatsworth Stadium | 19:30 |
| Saturday, 11 April | Stellenbosch FC | Loftus Versfeld | 17:30 |
| Wednesday, 15 April | Polokwane City | Old Peter Mokaba Stadium | 19:30 |
| Saturday, 18 April | Chippa United | Loftus Versfeld | 17:30 |
| Saturday, 25 April | Richards Bay | Princess Magogo Stadium | 17:30 |
| Wednesday, 6 May | Kaizer Chiefs | Loftus Versfeld | 19:30 |
| Saturday, 9 May | Siwelele FC | Lucas Moripe Stadium | 17:30 |
| Saturday, 16 May | TS Galaxy | Mbombela Stadium | 15:00 |
| Saturday, 23 May | Polokwane City | Loftus Versfeld | 15:00 |
Orlando Pirates: The Chase
The Buccaneers have zero margin for error. Their schedule includes a massive Soweto Derby in late April and a difficult trip to the Cape to face a high-flying Stellenbosch side.
| Date | Opponent | Venue | Time |
| Sunday, 22 March | TS Galaxy | Mbombela Stadium | 15:30 |
| Tuesday, 7 April | Golden Arrows | Orlando Stadium | 19:30 |
| Friday, 10 April | Richards Bay | Richards Bay Stadium | 19:30 |
| Saturday, 18 April | AmaZulu FC | Orlando Stadium | 15:00 |
| Saturday, 25 April | Kaizer Chiefs | FNB Stadium | 15:00 |
| Tuesday, 5 May | Stellenbosch FC | Athlone Stadium | 19:30 |
| Saturday, 9 May | Magesi FC | Seshego Stadium | 20:00 |
| Saturday, 16 May | Durban City | Orlando Stadium | 15:00 |
| Saturday, 23 May | Orbit College | Royal Bafokeng Stadium | 15:00 |
Analysis: The Decisive Moments
- The “Spoiler” Role: Kaizer Chiefs hold the keys to the title. They face Pirates on April 25 and Sundowns on May 6. Results in these two games could decide where the trophy lands.
- Home Ground Advantage: Sundowns play four of their final nine games at the “Fortress” Loftus Versfeld, a venue where they rarely drop points.
- The Final Sprint: If the race goes to the final day (May 23), Sundowns host Polokwane City while Pirates travel to face Orbit College.
