{"id":21510,"date":"2025-08-09T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-08-09T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=21510"},"modified":"2026-03-12T10:04:23","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T08:04:23","slug":"betway-premiership-2025-26-preview-what-to-expect","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/betway-premiership-2025-26-preview-what-to-expect\/","title":{"rendered":"Betway Premiership 2025\/26: Full Weekend Fixture Preview and What to Expect"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The Betway Premiership 2025\/26 season officially kicks off this weekend, with all 16 clubs set to take the field across Saturday and Sunday. This promises to be a blockbuster opening round. With fresh faces, new coaches, and plenty of ambition, this season\u2019s start comes with plenty of intrigue and high expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-sundowns-begin-title-defence-in-gqeberha\" style=\"font-size:28px\">Sundowns Begin Title Defence in Gqeberha<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns launch their campaign with an away trip to Chippa United at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Head coach Miguel Cardoso has been vocal about not resting on past success. He urged his players to operate at an even higher level than last season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe want to improve, and we understand every game carries risk. You can lose any match if you&#8217;re not sharp\u2014last season proved that,\u201d said Cardoso. He recalled how a big win over Pirates was followed by an unexpected defeat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Ahead of the 2025\/2026 <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/BetwayPrem?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#BetwayPrem<\/a> season, Miguel Cardoso says <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Masandawana?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">@Masandawana<\/a> expect tough competition, but they are excited for it. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/OqkIHrLQma\">pic.twitter.com\/OqkIHrLQma<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/OfficialPSL\/status\/1952701101259510070?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">August 5, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-1728211412\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-orlando-pirates-eye-fast-start-against-sekhukhune\">Orlando Pirates Eye Fast Start Against Sekhukhune<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Orlando Pirates host Sekhukhune United at Orlando Stadium, looking to continue the momentum from their recent MTN8 win over Polokwane City. New coach Abdeslam Ouaddou wants to maintain that winning mentality. He emphasizes this especially with fans expected to fill the stands once again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cOur fans showed up in full voice last weekend. We hope they do so again and push the boys to another strong performance,\u201d said Ouaddou.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Ahead of <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/orlandopirates?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">@orlandopirates<\/a>\u2019 <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/BetwayPrem?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#BetwayPrem<\/a> encounter against Sekhukhune, Abdeslam Ouaddou highlights the importance of his squad adapting to his model. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/GfQ45rfq9F\">pic.twitter.com\/GfQ45rfq9F<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/OfficialPSL\/status\/1953751005792706840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">August 8, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-newcomers-step-into-the-spotlight\">Newcomers Step into the Spotlight<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Two newly promoted clubs are set for their top-flight debuts this weekend. Orbit College begin their journey against AmaZulu at Moses Mabhida Stadium. It is a big test in Durban against an experienced side. Meanwhile, Durban City will travel to Nelspruit for a tough clash against TS Galaxy on Sunday. They\u2019ve armed themselves well in the off-season and brought in seasoned coach Gavin Hunt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Orbit\u2019s arrival has created a buzz, but many wonder whether the newcomers can handle the physical and mental toll of a full Premiership season. Cape Town Spurs learned not long ago that the step up is steep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Pogiso Makhoye says Orbit College are almost ready for the new <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/BetwayPrem?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#BetwayPrem<\/a> and will be relying on their collective experience as a group. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/UZb3i4DjXQ\">pic.twitter.com\/UZb3i4DjXQ<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/OfficialPSL\/status\/1952722100206080041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">August 5, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3916836752\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-siwelele-returns-with-a-roar\">Siwelele Returns with a Roar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Arguably the most emotionally charged fixture this weekend sees Bloemfontein\u2019s Siwelele make their long-awaited Premiership return. They host Golden Arrows at the Dr Molemela Stadium. Fans in the city are expected to turn up in large numbers to support the beloved club.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Siwelele winger Lyle Lakay emphasised the difference their loyal supporters will make: \u201cBloemfontein has been craving football. This will be something different, something louder, more passionate.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-limpopo-derby-adds-local-flavour\">Limpopo Derby Adds Local Flavour<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Another highlight is the Limpopo derby between Polokwane City and Magesi FC at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium. While both teams are eager to make early statements, the focus is also on Magesi\u2019s transition. They&#8217;ve gone under new management after parting ways with coach Owen da Gama.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-1844811754\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-sunday-double-header-closes-the-weekend\">Sunday Double-Header Closes the Weekend<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sunday features just two fixtures, with TS Galaxy facing Durban City and Kaizer Chiefs visiting Stellenbosch FC in Cape Town. New Amakhosi boss Nasreddine Nabi is optimistic about a turnaround season. He believes the squad is heading in the right direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m seeing improvement in the group. This year, we\u2019ll be better,\u201d said Nabi. Chiefs fans will be eager to see whether that confidence translates on the pitch. They are hoping for change after back-to-back years outside the top eight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-to-expect-this-betway-premiership-2025-26-season\">What to Expect This Betway Premiership 2025\/26 Season<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>With <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sabcnews.com\/sabcnews\/betway-premiership-kicks-off-with-all-16-teams-this-weekend\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">the campaign<\/a> split by a lengthy Africa Cup of Nations break, it\u2019s difficult to predict how teams will manage form and fatigue. Still, Mamelodi Sundowns remain clear favorites for the title. Orlando Pirates look best placed to challenge, having consistently been the closest rivals in recent years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>CAF Champions League qualification will likely be a fight between Sundowns, Pirates, and perhaps a dark horse like Sekhukhune United. Stellenbosch FC and AmaZulu also have the credentials for a top-four finish. They must contend with player departures and squad depth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The battle for the top eight is set to be as congested as ever, with TS Galaxy, Golden Arrows, and Kaizer Chiefs in the mix. On the other end of the table, Magesi FC\u2019s uncertainty and Orbit College\u2019s lack of top-flight experience could put them in relegation trouble early on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Related article: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/meet-the-artist-behind-the-betway-premiership-trophy-but-why-some-fans-want-it-changed\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Meet the Artist Behind the Betway Premiership Trophy \u2013 But Why Some Fans Want It Changed?<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Betway Premiership 2025\/26 season officially kicks off this weekend, with all 16 clubs set to take the field across Saturday and Sunday. This promises to be a blockbuster opening round. With fresh faces, new coaches, and plenty of ambition, this season\u2019s start comes with plenty of intrigue and high expectations. Sundowns Begin Title Defence<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":21512,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"The Betway Premiership 2025\/26 season officially kicks off this weekend, with all 16 clubs set to take the field across Saturday and Sunday. This promises to...","footnotes":""},"categories":[56,64],"tags":[296,288],"class_list":{"0":"post-21510","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-sports","8":"category-sports-news","9":"tag-betway-premiership","10":"tag-soccer"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21510","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21510"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21510\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21513,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21510\/revisions\/21513"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21512"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21510"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21510"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21510"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}