State of play: Bottom four face crucial run-in as Betway Premiership relegation threat looms

The 2025/26 Betway Premiership season has delivered drama at both ends of the table.

While the title race remains closely contested, the fight for survival is intensifying and looks set to be decided in the closing stages, with the stakes rising after every round of fixtures.

What makes the relegation battle particularly intriguing is how tightly packed the bottom teams are, with only a few points separating them from safety and even the top eight. With ten or fewer matches remaining, momentum will be crucial, and the focus now shifts to the bottom five and how their next three fixtures could shape the outcome of their season.

Richards Bay FC (12th)

Durban City (A), Stellenbosch FC (H), Orlando Pirates (H)

The Natal Rich Boys have once again endured an inconsistent season. After sneaking into the top eight late last term, they now need a strong finish to avoid relegation concerns and push into the top half.

Two consecutive defeats have made their task tougher, and they will be looking to kick off their next run with positive results against Durban City and Stellenbosch, before facing a more challenging fixture against Orlando Pirates.

Chippa United (13th)

Stellenbosch FC (A), Siwelele FC (H), Polokwane City (H)

Since Vusumuzi Vilakazi replaced Sinethemba Badela, Chippa have struggled but improved from a poor start that once had them tipped for relegation.

Their fate remains in their own hands, yet a three-match winless streak has slowed progress. Two of their next three matches are away, making the clash against Stellenbosch in their own backyard crucial to regain momentum.

Marumo Gallants (14th)

Magesi FC (H), Orbit College (H), Siwelele FC (H)

Gallants began the season strongly, even reaching the Carling Knockout final, where they narrowly lost 1-0 to Orlando Pirates. However, inconsistency and the suspension of coach Alexandre Lafitte disrupted any momentum they were trying to build. 

A recent 3-1 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns further exposed their struggles. Their upcoming fixtures against fellow relegation-threatened sides are effectively must-win matches, providing a vital opportunity to improve their standing while gaining an edge over direct rivals.

Orbit College (15th)

Siwelele FC (A), Kaizer Chiefs (H), Marumo Gallants (A)

Survival has been Orbit’s main objective since promotion. Head coach Pogiso Makhoye has said it doesn’t matter how it happens, only that it it's a must.

Despite their precarious position, they have shown resilience, including a 2-1 win over TS Galaxy. Their next fixtures will be decisive, particularly the clash with Gallants, which could play a huge hand in defining the relegation battle.

Magesi FC (16th)

Kaizer Chiefs (A), Marumo Gallants (H), Sekhukhune United (A)

It has been a difficult campaign for the Limpopo-based side, who find themselves well off the pace and struggling for form at a crucial stage of the season. While they have previously managed to avoid relegation, doing so again this season appears far more difficult, especially following the departure of coach John Maduka after a string of poor results.

Their last victory came in October — a 2-1 win over TS Galaxy — and since then, it has been a challenging run. Their upcoming fixtures offer little relief, with two matches against top-five opposition and a tricky encounter against Gallants, which may be their best chance to pick up points.

At this stage, they appear the most likely side to finish bottom, or at best second from bottom, by the end of the season.

* Obakeng Meletse is Independent Media’s multi-sport writer. For fresh video content, follow our YouTube channel The Clutch