GAME DAY | Betway Premiership title race heats up as Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns look to close gap on leaders Orlando Pirates

The Betway Premiership title race is expected to heat up on Tuesday night (7.30pm), with two challengers – Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns – eager to put pressure on log leaders Orlando Pirates.

Chiefs will host Stellenbosch at FNB Stadium, trailing Pirates by eight points, though the Buccaneers have played two games more. Meanwhile, Sundowns will visit AmaZulu at Moses Mabhida Stadium, sitting three points and one game behind the Buccaneers.

It is important for both Amakhosi and the Brazilians to win their respective matches, as victories would provide a huge morale boost ahead of the Soweto derby (for Chiefs) against Pirates on Saturday. Moreover, it would alleviate pressure on Sundowns heading into a congested schedule next month. 

With these crucial matches looming, we look at the factors that could decide the outcome for the two teams in Soweto and Durban.

Petersen’s form must continue

Chiefs’ No 1 Brandon Petersen, has been in superb form this season, keeping 11 clean sheets in 15 league games. 

His contribution has been marked by sharp reflexes and timely engagement in one-on-one duels. Petersen’s experience and growth have been evident; he has even worn the captain’s armband while marshalling his defence amidst a period of change.

A consistent display from Petersen might not only help the team end their 11-year league title drought but could also put him back on the radar of Bafana Bafana coaches ahead of the upcoming 2026 Fifa World Cup in North America.

Cardoso must revert to default setting

Blessed with ample depth, Sundowns' coach Miguel Cardoso started a makeshift team in the 2-0 loss to TS Galaxy in the Nedbank Cup Last 16 on Saturday. But clearly didn’t yield positive results.

The regulars are expected to return to the starting line-up on Tuesday and steer the team to a position level on 38 points with Pirates. Cardoso knows that maintaining an all-round team balance will be crucial as they must once again juggle domestic and continental football. 

Every match at this stage is a must-win for Sundowns as they cannot leave anything to chance if they are to defend their title this season and shrug off pressure from both Pirates and Chiefs.

AmaZulu creeping in quietly

AmaZulu have had an impressive season. As such, they are on course for a potential double – the league title and Nedbank Cup – as they are in the quarter-final of the Ke Yona Cup, where they will face Casric Stars at home next week. 

Having shown superior form compared to the rest of the league’s ‘average teams’, Usuthu have a chance to test their growth and progression against champions Sundowns at home. This is a double-edged clash for them: they could inflict more misery on Sundowns, or the Brazilians could ruthlessly bounce back against them. 

Nonetheless, coach Arthur Zwane has already done a sterling job at Usuthu this season, with his game model, built around youngsters, space, and skill, paying dividends so far.

Chiefs could finally unleash newbies

Signed from overseas-based clubs in winter, Ethan Chislett and Nkanyiso Shinga arrived at Chiefs with lofty expectations. But not only have they failed to get off the mark, but they are also yet to make their debut for the club, a cause for concern. 

However, speaking during the pre-match press conference ahead of the clash against Stellies, co-coach Cedric Kaze insisted that the duo or one of them could make their debut. When asked about their whereabouts, he said: “Ask me that question after the game tomorrow (on Tuesday).” 

The presence of Chislett and Shinga could augur well for Chiefs. The duo could strengthen their midfield and left-back positions, respectively, especially now that teams are exposed to injuries and suspensions.

The league offers domestic redemption

Having both Chiefs and Sundowns missed out on the three domestic cups – the MTN8, Carling Knockout, and Nedbank Cup, recently – the league is their only remaining shot at silverware on home soil. 

Granted, these are familiar surroundings for Sundowns, who have won the last eight titles in a row, but with Pirates looking the part in the title race and belief engulfing their camp that they will finally end their 14-year league drought, Sundowns cannot afford to leave any stone unturned. This urgency extends to their clash against Usuthu, who are also in the title race.

Chiefs, meanwhile, are putting all their eggs in the league basket. They want to return to the pinnacle of South African football to revive their ‘mighty’ and ‘cup kings’ tags. A championship could also be job-saving for Ben Youssef and fellow co-coach Cedric Kaze at the club.

*Mihlali Baleka is Independent Media's senior football reporter and a panelist on the group's soccer podcast, The D-Line, which is exclusive on our YouTube channel The Clutch