Who has the easier last 9 fixtures?

It’s a two-team race for the 2025/26 Betway Premiership title between current log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.

The two sides have distanced themselves from the chasing pack with just nine matches remaining this season.

Masandawana enjoy a healthy 16-point lead over third-placed Sekhukhune United.

Thanks to their 3-1 win over Marumo Gallants on Tuesday evening, the Mamelodi Sundowns moved back to the top of the standings by two points from the Buccaneers.

Mamelodi Sundowns also improved their all-important goal difference to +26 compared to Orlando Pirates’ +25, but 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 5 051 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, though that could come to an end in the next 10 days if they do not get past Stade Malien in the quarter-finals.

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.

Derby clash still to come

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

Sunday, 22 March vs TS Galaxy, Mbombela Stadium – 15:30

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.