Betway Premiership Log Race Heats Up: Sekhukhune, Chiefs, Sundowns in Battle

The Betway Premiership will pause after five rounds of action, as South African football shifts focus to the FIFA international break. Sekhukhune United lead the standings, holding top spot on goal difference over Kaizer Chiefs.

Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns sit third, still unbeaten and ominously placed for another title challenge. Orlando Pirates, who recorded three consecutive wins before the break, have climbed into fifth place.

At the opposite end, Chippa United anchor the log with only a single point, while newly promoted Orbit College are second from bottom.

Bafana Bafana’s World Cup Tests

During the break, attention turns to Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana side. South Africa face two critical Group C World Cup qualifiers:

• Lesotho – Friday, 5 September (18:00 SA time)
• Nigeria – Tuesday, 9 September (18:00 SA time)

The clash against Nigeria will be particularly decisive, given the Super Eagles’ pedigree and Bafana’s inconsistent record against them.

Betway Premiership Results Round-Up

The final weekend before the pause produced drama across the country:

• Orlando Pirates thrashed Chippa United 3–0 in Gqeberha.
• Kaizer Chiefs edged Golden Arrows 1–0 away in Durban.
• Sekhukhune United beat Durban City 2–0 in Polokwane to cement top spot.
• TS Galaxy outplayed Orbit College 3–1 in Soweto.
• AmaZulu and Magesi drew 1–1 in Pietersburg.
• Marumo Gallants and Polokwane City shared a 1–1 stalemate in Bloemfontein.

Key Fixtures After the Break

Once domestic action resumes, fans can look forward to high-profile clashes:

• Mamelodi Sundowns vs Magesi FC – 14 September, Pretoria
• Kaizer Chiefs vs Sekhukhune United – 16 September, Johannesburg
• Marumo Gallants vs Sundowns – 17 September, Bloemfontein

The Chiefs–Sekhukhune encounter at FNB Stadium will be the standout, a battle between the early leaders and the Glamour Boys.

Analysis: Who Holds the Advantage?

While Sekhukhune have impressed, the looming presence of Sundowns cannot be ignored. The champions remain the most consistent side and their squad depth could prove decisive after the break.

Kaizer Chiefs have shown resilience but will need to sharpen their attack if they want to sustain a title push. Pirates’ revival also hints at a season where the “Big Three” may not have it all their way.

At the bottom, Chippa United already look in trouble. Without a turnaround, they could face another relegation scrap.

Check also: Kaizer Chiefs Remain Unbeaten: How Amakhosi Outclassed Golden Arrows to Claim Three Points

Sekhukhune’s rise has given the Premiership a refreshing twist, but the real test comes after the FIFA break when Sundowns and Chiefs begin to flex their muscle. For now, South African fans can turn their attention to Bafana Bafana’s qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria.

What do you think – will Sekhukhune stay at the top, or will Sundowns reclaim their throne once the league resumes?