Weekend Review: Top 3 Talking Points from the Betway Premiership

Rethabile Nyelele12 August , 2025

The 2025/26 Betway Premiership kicked off in lively fashion this past weekend, although goals were in short supply. Only one of the opening fixtures ended without a goal: the Limpopo derby between Polokwane City and Magesi FC, which finished 0-0 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

It was a mixed start for the ‘PSL Big Three’, Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, and Mamelodi Sundowns, with just one side claiming all three points on the opening weekend.

1. Chiefs Hit the Ground Running

Kaizer Chiefs opened their campaign with a 2-0 win over 10-man Stellenbosch FC in front of a packed Athlone Stadium on Sunday. Nkosingiphile Ngcobo’s precise free kick set the tone before Glody Lilepo sealed the victory from the penalty spot late in the game. Stellenbosch had shown promise early on despite being reduced to 10 men in the first half when Siviwe Nkwali was sent off for a professional foul on Mduduzi Shabalala. Chiefs took control after the break, making their numerical advantage count for a confident start to the season.

2. Pirates Stumble at Home

Orlando Pirates suffered a 1-0 defeat to Sekhukhune United at Orlando Stadium on Saturday evening. Siphesihle Mkhize netted the decisive goal shortly after halftime, but the Buccaneers will feel hard done by after twice striking the woodwork. An early mishap saw Daniel Cardoso almost score an own goal when his clearance hit the post, while Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s header later met the same fate. Sekhukhune held firm to secure all three points.

3. Sundowns Held in Gqeberha

Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns had to settle for a 1-1 draw away to Chippa United. Arthur Sales put the Brazilians in front in the first half, but Khaya Mfecane’s second-half strike ensured the home side earned a share of the spoils. For Chippa’s new coach, Sinethemba Badela, it was a promising debut against his former employers.