Orlando Pirates are in a position to end their painful Betway Premiership title drought. Here’s why they’ll do it in 2026, with Kaizer Chiefs potentially having a say.
Orlando Pirates’ fixtures seem favourable
An upcoming run of fixtures against mostly mid-table opposition could be a godsend for the Buccaneers, as none of these sides is in immediate danger of relegation, and similarly, they aren’t pushing for places in the top three. Strangely, their most difficult remaining match could be against Magesi, who might still have safety to play for by early May. A final-day clash against Orbit should be a routine win, as they should already be relegated by then. Back to the present, and Pirates maintained their solid momentum with a workmanlike 2-0 win over Richards Bay, thanks to goals from Oswin Appollis and Evidence Makgopa.
- Saturday, 14 March vs Siwelele FC, Orlando Stadium – 15:30
- 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
Sundowns’ fixtures and Kaizer Chiefs’ potential say in the title race
Although Sundowns are on a four-match winning run across all competitions, their fixture list isn’t as kind. The Brazilians have awkward-looking assignments against 14th-placed Marumo Gallants and fourth-placed Durban City, who have a genuine shot at finishing in the top three. A match against Chippa on 18 April could also pose issues, seeing as though the Chilli Boys are fighting for their Betway Premiership lives. Both Sundowns and Pirates, intriguingly, still face Kaizer Chiefs. The Glamour Boys won’t be kings this season but could be the king-makers in the title race, one way or another.
