The Betway Premiership title race could start taking shape this weekend, with Orlando Pirates sitting out while their closest challengers look to make the most of their opportunities.
Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs and Sekhukhune United all have important fixtures on the schedule, with each match carrying its own set of questions.
For the defending champions, the weekend provides an opportunity to watch their rivals drop points. For Sundowns and Chiefs, it is a chance to close the gap — and perhaps send an early warning to the Buccaneers.
Papi Zothwane faces immediate test at Sekhukhune
Sekhukhune United begin a new chapter on Saturday when they welcome TS Galaxy.
The match will be Papi Zothwane’s first in charge since the club parted ways with Cedric Kaze on 1 September.
Kaze’s spell at the club came to an abrupt end after a difficult start that included an MTN8 semi-final defeat to Orlando Pirates and a league loss against Kaizer Chiefs.
Sekhukhune were eighth in the Betway Premiership when Kaze left.
Zothwane, who previously played for Golden Arrows and Mamelodi Sundowns, joined the club as Kaze’s assistant at the beginning of the season. He will now take temporary charge alongside Paulus Masehe, who also brings previous interim coaching experience.
However, the new-look technical team faces a difficult opening assignment.
TS Galaxy showed their ability to compete against the league’s leading sides in their 3-2 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns. The Rockets will be determined to turn that performance into points against Sekhukhune.
With Galaxy sitting ninth, Sekhukhune cannot afford another setback.
Sundowns have a chance to put pressure on Pirates
Mamelodi Sundowns travel to Golden Arrows on Sunday knowing that three points would send a message to their title rivals.
Masandawana moved level on points with Orlando Pirates after beating Milford FC 2-0 on Wednesday.
With Pirates not playing this weekend, Sundowns have an opportunity to move ahead of the defending champions and put pressure on them at the top of the standings.
It will not be straightforward, though.
Golden Arrows already demonstrated their threat by beating Sundowns in the first leg of their MTN8 semi-final. Abafana Bes’thende have therefore shown they have the tools to frustrate the champions.
For Sundowns, this is more than another league fixture. A convincing victory would strengthen their position and increase the pressure on Pirates.
Chiefs have a chance to join the conversation
Kaizer Chiefs enter the weekend in third position and unbeaten after their opening four league matches.
The Soweto giants have recorded two victories and two draws, including a draw against Sundowns, leaving them within touching distance of the leading teams.
Their MTN8 campaign ended in the quarter-finals, but their league form has provided plenty of encouragement.
Now they face Siwelele FC at home.
Three points would do more than maintain Chiefs’ unbeaten start. A victory could push the Amakhosi closer to the summit and reinforce the belief that they can challenge for the title this season.
The pressure will be on Chiefs to turn their positive start into a sustained title challenge.
The PSL weekend fixtures
Friday, 4 September
- Marumo Gallants vs Polokwane City — Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg, 19:30
- Richards Bay FC vs AmaZulu FC — Princess Magogo Stadium, Durban, 19:30
Saturday, 5 September
- Chippa United vs Milford FC — Dobsonville Stadium, Soweto, 15:00
- Sekhukhune United vs TS Galaxy — Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane, 17:30
Sunday, 6 September
- Golden Arrows vs Mamelodi Sundowns — King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium, Durban, 15:00
- Kaizer Chiefs vs Siwelele FC — Dobsonville Stadium, Soweto, 17:30
Three big questions this weekend
With Orlando Pirates on the sidelines, the spotlight falls firmly on their rivals.
Can Sundowns take advantage of the Buccaneers’ absence?
Will Chiefs continue their unbeaten start and close the gap at the top?
Can Papi Zothwane immediately revive Sekhukhune’s fortunes?
The answers could give us an early indication of which teams are genuine contenders — and which still have work to do.
Which PSL match are you most looking forward to this weekend?
