Who has the easier last 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 with just a handful of matches remaining this season.

Yawning gap

The Buccaneers lead Masandawana by a single point and have played one extra match.

The Soweto giants are a yawning 14 points ahead of third-placed AmaZulu FC – having played the some number of fixtures.

Thanks to their 6-0 romp against TS Galaxy on Sunday, Orlando Pirates grabbed top spot in the standings in what has been a ding-dong battle against Mamelodi Sundowns.

Crucially, Orlando Pirates improved their all-important goal difference to +31 compared to Mamelodi Sundowns’ +26, but otherwise it could barely be tighter as we head into the home stretch.

Updated Betway Premiership log

Orlando Pirates are looking for their first title – and fifth overall – since the 2011/12 season.

It’s been 5 056 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.

Remaining fixtures

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.

Orlando Pirates

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.

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’ remaining matches

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

Mamelodi Sundowns could benefit from a favourable schedule in the closing weeks of the season.

However, their domestic schedule may 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.

Busy April schedule

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.