The wait is over as the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season gets underway this weekend, with defending champions Orlando Pirates beginning their title defence and Kaizer Chiefs embarking on a new chapter under head coach Fernando Da Cruz.
The opening round of fixtures on Saturday promises plenty of intrigue, although perennial title contenders Mamelodi Sundowns will have to wait a little longer to kick off their campaign after their opening fixture was postponed.
WEEK 1 | New Betway Premiership times and venues confirmed
Orlando Pirates aim to make early statement
Fresh from lifting last season’s league title, Orlando Pirates will look to start their defence on the right foot when they host newly promoted Milford FC at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday afternoon.
The Buccaneers head into the new season buoyed by an impressive transfer window and encouraging pre-season performances.
With domestic success and another CAF Champions League campaign on the horizon, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou will be eager to ensure Orlando Pirates lay down an early marker in the title race.
A victory over the Betway Premiership newcomers would provide the perfect platform as the Soweto giants chase back-to-back league crowns.
Kaizer Chiefs usher in Da Cruz era
Later on Saturday, all eyes will be on Mbombela Stadium where Kaizer Chiefs take on fellow top-flight newcomers Kruger United.
The match marks Fernando Da Cruz’s first competitive league fixture in charge of Amakhosi, with supporters hoping the Frenchman can restore the club to title contention.
Kaizer Chiefs will travel to Mpumalanga full of confidence after defeating Zimbabwean champions Scottland FC 1-0 to lift the Toyota Cup last weekend.
They will also be aiming for a third consecutive opening-day victory after winning their first league matches in each of the past two seasons.
Mamelodi Sundowns’ opener postponed
Mamelodi Sundowns will not be in action this weekend after the Premier Soccer League approved the postponement of their home fixture against Marumo Gallants.
While no official reason has been provided, the delay is understood to be linked to the club’s disrupted pre-season preparations following the death of midfielder Jayden Adams.
A new date for the fixture has yet to be announced.
Opening weekend fixtures
Saturday, 1 August
- Orlando Pirates vs Milford FC, Orlando Amstel Arena – 15:00
- Golden Arrows vs Chippa United, King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium – 15:00
- Stellenbosch FC vs AmaZulu FC, Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium – 15:00
- Sekhukhune United vs Durban City, Seshego Stadium – 17:30
- Kruger United vs Kaizer Chiefs, Mbombela Stadium – 20:00
Sunday, 2 August
- Richards Bay vs Polokwane City, Richards Bay Stadium – 15:30
- Siwelele FC vs TS Galaxy, Free State Stadium – 17:30
With the MTN8 quarter-finals scheduled for next weekend, every team will be eager to begin the new campaign on a positive note as another fiercely contested Betway Premiership season gets underway.
Who’s your pick for the 2026/27 Betway Premiership title?
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