Who can stop Mamelodi Sundowns from making it nine in a row win at the Betway Premiership?
A New Betway Premiership Season, Familiar Challenge
The 2025/26 Betway Premiership season kicks off this Saturday, and once again, the question on everyone’s mind is: Can anyone stop Mamelodi Sundowns? The defending champions are chasing an unprecedented ninth consecutive domestic league title, and the rest of the league is left scrambling to catch up.
AmaZulu’s New Approach: All or Nothing
Traditionally known as draw specialists, AmaZulu shifted gears last season. After leading the league in draws for two straight years, they recorded only five stalemates in 28 games — the third fewest in the league. It was win or bust for Usuthu, and fans will be watching closely to see if they continue on this more aggressive path.
AFCON Break in the Middle of the Campaign
The league will pause for seven weeks this season to make way for the Africa Cup of Nations (21 December – 18 January). Fixtures will stop in early December and resume in late January, giving clubs a critical mid-season reset.
Marumo Gallants Must Shore Up the Defence
Conceding 39 goals last season — the most in the league — Marumo Gallants’ defensive woes were highlighted by a brutal 8-1 loss to Orlando Pirates. Improvement at the back will be essential if they hope to stay up this season.
Fewer Draws, But Fewer Matches Too
There were 54 draws across last season’s campaign, down from 68 the year before. However, that stat comes with context — the league played 30 fewer games than in 2023/24.
Darren Keet: The Ever-Present Guardian
Veteran goalkeeper Darren Keet was the only player to feature in every single minute of his team’s matches last season. Having now moved to Durban City, he’ll aim to continue a remarkable run that began in September 2023.
Starting Strong: More Important Than Ever
Early season momentum can make or break a team’s campaign. Clubs battling relegation know that a poor start often equals a long, difficult season, while a few early wins can set the tone for mid-table safety or even a surprise run up the table.
A Betway Premiership Season Starved of Goals
The 2024/25 season saw 423 goals scored in 210 games — an average of 2.01 per match. While not the lowest ever, it was close. The record low remains the 2021/22 campaign, with just 479 goals in 240 games.
Gavin Hunt Makes It 28 Seasons on the Bench
Legendary coach Gavin Hunt enters his 28th straight season in the top flight. Now in charge of Durban City, he extends his record as the most experienced coach in the Premier Soccer League era.
Can Sundowns Finally Go Invincible?
Sundowns flirted with an undefeated season in 2023/24, only to lose to Cape Town City on the final day. The “Invincibles” dream lives on — can they finally pull it off in 2025/26?
Discipline Watch: Who Got the Most Cards?
Sergio Kammies (Chippa United) earned the unwanted title of most carded player with two reds and six yellows. Only Yanela Mbuthuma (Richards Bay) matched his red card tally — but picked up four yellows as well.
Chiefs: Missed the Top 8… Barely
For the second season in a row, Kaizer Chiefs finished outside the top eight — a historic first. Still, their ninth-place finish was just three points shy of fifth place, showing how tight the mid-table race truly was.
Winners, Losers, and Those In Between
Only four teams won more games than they lost last season:
- Mamelodi Sundowns
- Orlando Pirates
- Stellenbosch FC
- Sekhukhune United
For the rest, it was a season filled with more heartbreak than joy.
Can Anyone Catch the Champions this Betway Premiership?
It’s hard to see anyone matching Sundowns’ consistency. With 24 wins from 28 matches, it would take a dramatic collapse for them to be overtaken. Every other team enters the season as the underdog.
Kaizer Chiefs: Cup Joy, League Struggles
Despite finishing ninth, Kaizer Chiefs lifted the Nedbank Cup, ending a decade-long trophy drought. Head coach Nasreddine Nabi will be under pressure to translate that cup success into league consistency.
Orlando Pirates: Always the Bridesmaid?
For the third season running, Orlando Pirates finished second. The gap to Sundowns has closed — from 23 points to 12 — but catching the champions remains a monumental task.
Polokwane City: A Lesson in Efficiency
Despite scoring just 19 goals — down from 21 the previous season — Polokwane City still managed to finish seventh. Only Cape Town City (15) and SuperSport United (18) scored fewer, both of whom finished lower on the table.
South Africa’s CAF Representatives
Four teams will fly the flag for South Africa in CAF competitions:
- CAF Champions League: Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates
- CAF Confederation Cup: Stellenbosch FC, Kaizer Chiefs
New Boys: Orbit College and Siwelele Enter the Big Time
- Orbit College (Rustenburg) joins the top flight after playoff success. They’re the first North West club since Platinum Stars.
- Siwelele bought the Premiership status of SuperSport United and plan to play permanently out of Bloemfontein.
TS Galaxy: The Draw Specialists
TS Galaxy drew 11 of their 28 matches — the most in the league — showing how fine the line is between mid-table comfort and relegation worries.
Sundowns’ Yellow Nation Grows this Betway Premiership
Sundowns’ popularity has soared, and club chairman Thlopie Motsepe is urging fans to pack out the stadiums this season. Will the Yellow Nation respond?
Zakhele Lepasa: What Next?
Bafana Bafana striker Zakhele Lepasa didn’t play a single minute for Orlando Pirates last season. Now a free agent, his next move remains one of the most intriguing subplots heading into the new campaign.
Final Thoughts: Can Anyone Topple the Kings this 2025/26 Betway Premiership?
The league enters a new season full of storylines: the rise of new teams, the resurgence of old giants, and the enduring dominance of Mamelodi Sundowns.
Whether you’re cheering from the stands or following every stat online, one thing’s certain — the 2025/26 Betway Premiership is set to deliver drama, passion, and unforgettable moments.
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