Who has the easier fixtures?

It’s a two-team race for the 2025/26 Betway Premiership title between current log leaders Orlando Pirates, and defending champions, Mamelodi Sundowns.

The two sides have distanced themselves from the chasing pack, and will just 10 matches remaining this season, they enjoy a healthy 14-point lead over third-placed Sekhukhune United.

Thanks to their 2-0 win over Richards Bay on Wednesday evening, the Buccaneers moved back to the top of the standings on goal difference from Masandawana.

Orlando Pirates hold the slight edge with a +25 goal difference compared to Mamelodi Sundowns’ +24, but it could barely be tighter as we head into the home stretch.

Updated Betway Premiership log

It’s been 5 045 days since the Soweto giants’ supporters last cheers a league title win.

However, for Mamelodi Sundowns, they are seeking a ninth-consecutive title – and a 16th overall – in what is the 30th season since the dawn of the professional era in 1996/97.

So, who has the easier run-in to the end of the season?

The two sides don’t have to play one another again. The first clash between the sides ended in a 1-1 draw at Loftus Versfeld on 1 November last year. The return fixture at FNB Stadium on 18 February this year ended in a 2-1 win for Mamelodi Sundowns.

Should the race for the title come down to the final weekend of the season, on paper at least, Orlando Pirates appear to have the easier task against current second-from-bottom side Orbit College, while Mamelodi Sundowns will be up against seventh-ranked Polokwane City.

Both are out of the Nedbank Cup, but Mamelodi Sundowns must still contend with the knockout rounds of the CAF Champions League as a distraction, though that could come to an end in the next 10 days if they do not get past Stade Malien in the quarter-finals.

Orlando Pirates have a favourable run-in to the end of the season, with several of their remaining matches scheduled against teams currently in the bottom half of the table.

Six of the Buccaneers’ final 10 league games are against lower-ranked sides, including clashes with the bottom two teams, Magesi FC and Orbit College FC, both of which will take place in their last three fixtures of the campaign.

One of the standout fixtures in the run-in will be the second Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs on 25 April. Orlando Pirates will enter the clash with confidence after beating their bitter rivals 3-0 earlier this year.

Orlando Pirates will play five of their remaining matches at home and five away.

Their away fixtures include trips to:

At home they will host:

Wednesday, 11 March vs Richards Bay, Orlando Stadium – 19:30

Saturday, 14 March vs Siwelele FC, Orlando Stadium – 15:30

Sunday, 22 March vs TS Galaxy, Mbombela Stadium – 15:30

Tuesday, 7 April vs Golden Arrows, Orlando Stadium – 19:30

Friday, 10 April vs Richards Bay, Richards Bay Stadium – 19:30

Saturday, 18 April vs AmaZulu FC, Orlando Stadium – 15:00

Saturday, 25 April vs Kaizer Chiefs, FNB Stadium – 15:00

Tuesday, 5 May vs Stellenbosch FC, Athlone Stadium – 19:30

Saturday, 9 May vs Magesi FC, Seshego Stadium – 20:00

Saturday, 16 May vs Durban City, Orlando Stadium – 15:00

Saturday, 23 May vs Orbit College, Royal Bafokeng Stadium – 15:00

Mamelodi Sundowns could benefit from a favourable schedule in the closing weeks of the season, with six of their remaining 10 matches set to be played at home.

However, their domestic schedule may still be affected by their progress in the CAF Champions League.

If Mamelodi Sundowns advance deep into the continental competition, the latter stages could overlap with league fixtures, particularly around the time of the two-legged final.

The scheduling pressure is heightened by FIFA regulations requiring club competitions worldwide to conclude by 25 May to allow national teams sufficient preparation time ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Mamelodi Sundowns’ remaining away matches include trips to:

While Mamelodi Sundowns may start as favourites in these encounters, each opponent has proven capable of making matches difficult, particularly when playing at home.

At home, Mamelodi Sundowns will host:

Overall, Sundowns will face five teams currently in the top half of the table, but their run-in is still considered manageable compared to some previous seasons.

One demanding stretch comes in April, when Mamelodi Sundowns are scheduled to play four matches in just 12 days. The run could prove decisive in shaping their season.

Fortunately for coach Miguel Cardoso, the club’s deep squad provides the flexibility needed to rotate players and manage fatigue during the congested period.

With both league and continental ambitions still alive, Mamelodi Sundowns will need to balance their commitments carefully as the season approaches its decisive stage. ⚽

Tuesday, 17 March vs Marumo Gallants, Loftus Versfeld – 19:30

Tuesday, 7 April vs Durban City, Chatsworth Stadium – 19:30

Saturday, 11 April vs Stellenbosch FC, Loftus Versfeld – 17:30

Wednesday, 15 April vs Polokwane City, Old Peter Mokaba Stadium – 19:30

Saturday, 18 April vs Chippa United, Loftus Versfeld – 17:30

Saturday, 25 April vs Richards Bay, Princess Magogo Stadium – 17:30

Wednesday, 6 May vs Kaizer Chiefs, Loftus Versfeld – 19:30

Saturday, 9 May vs Siwelele FC, Lucas Moripe Stadium – 17:30

Saturday, 16 May vs TS Galaxy, Mbobela Stadium – 15:00

Saturday, 23 May vs Polokwane City, Loftus Versfeld – 15:00

Who will be crowned 2025/26 Betway Premiership champions?

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