Only two dates matter for Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs fans when the Premier Soccer League (PSL) reveals the fixture list ahead of any domestic season.
Those dates are the two Soweto derbies to be contested between South Africa’s biggest two clubs.
Testing start
The PSL on Thursday unveiled the opening fixtures for the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season.
However, Buccaneer and Amakhosi fans scrolled right past the opening fixtures, looking eagerly for the dates when the two Soweto giants will clash.
Orlando Pirates will host Kaizer Chiefs – no doubt at the FNB Stadium – on Saturday, 31 October 2026 while Kaizer Chiefs will welcome Orlando Pirates in the return clash on Saturday, 13 March 2027.
Kick-off times for both fixtures will be announced in due course.
Orlando Pirates begin title defence against Milford FC
Orlando Pirates will launch their bid for back-to-back league titles against Milford FC at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, 1 August, with kick-off at 15:30.
The Buccaneers will then embark on consecutive away trips, travelling to AmaZulu FC on Wednesday, 12 August, before facing Chippa United four days later.
They return home on Tuesday, 25 August to host Sekhukhune United before travelling to newly promoted Kruger United on Saturday, 5 September.
The PSL has yet to confirm the venues and kick-off times for four of the five fixtures.
Orlando Pirates’ opening five fixtures
- Saturday, 1 August: Orlando Pirates vs Milford FC, Orlando Amstel Arena – 15:30
- Wednesday, 12 August: AmaZulu FC vs Orlando Pirates
- Sunday, 16 August: Chippa United vs Orlando Pirates
- Tuesday, 25 August: Orlando Pirates vs Sekhukhune United, Orlando Amstel Arena
- Saturday, 5 September: Kruger United vs Orlando Pirates
Kaizer Chiefs handed difficult opening month
Kaizer Chiefs face a demanding start to the new campaign.
Amakhosi open away against newcomers Kruger United at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday, 1 August, with kick-off scheduled for 20:15.
Kaizer Chiefs then host Sekhukhune United before welcoming perennial title contenders Mamelodi Sundowns in one of the standout fixtures of the opening weeks.
An away trip to Richards Bay FC follows before Kaizer Chiefs round off their first five matches at home against Siwelele FC.
The PSL is still to confirm the dates, venues and kick-off times for the final four fixtures.
Kaizer Chiefs’ opening five fixtures
- Saturday, 1 August: Kruger United vs Kaizer Chiefs, Mbombela Stadium – 20:15
- Wednesday, 12 August: Kaizer Chiefs vs Sekhukhune United
- Saturday, 15 August: Kaizer Chiefs vs Mamelodi Sundowns
- Wednesday, 26 August: Richards Bay FC vs Kaizer Chiefs
- Wednesday, 2 September: Kaizer Chiefs vs Siwelele FC
Early statement opportunity
Both Soweto giants have little time to ease into the new season.
Orlando Pirates will be eager to begin their title defence with maximum points before navigating two tricky away fixtures, while Kaizer Chiefs’ opening five matches include an immediate test against a promoted side followed by key clashes with Sekhukhune United and Mamelodi Sundowns.
Those early encounters could prove crucial in shaping the direction of both clubs’ 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaigns.
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Betway Premiership 2026/27 opening weekend fixtures
