Betway Premiership season kicks off with high stakes and new faces
Zuko Komisa
- The 2025/2026 Betway Premiership season kicks off this weekend with all 16 teams in action.
- Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns begin their title defence away to Chippa United on Saturday.
- New teams, coaching changes, and a mid-season Africa Cup of Nations break are set to make this a highly competitive season.
The 2025/2026 Betway Premiership season is set to ignite this weekend as all 16 teams take to the pitch, promising a campaign filled with familiar rivalries and fresh challenges.
The opening round will feature six matches on Saturday and two on Sunday, with defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns beginning their title defence on the road.
Mamelodi Sundowns, who are aiming for an unprecedented ninth consecutive league title, will travel to Gqeberha to face Chippa United on Saturday afternoon.
The champions will be keen to start strong, but they face a tricky opening fixture against a side known for its resilience.
The new season brings with it several key changes and high expectations.
The Premier Soccer League has seen some significant shifts, with a new team entering the fold. Siwelele FC has purchased the top-flight status of three-time champions SuperSport United, a move that will see a new club in the league.
Additionally, promoted sides Magesi FC and Durban City (formerly Maritzburg United) will be looking to establish themselves in the top tier, while Orbit College will be playing in the Premiership for the first time. Durban City, in particular, will be under the watchful eye of their new coach, Gavin Hunt, a four-time league winner.
Expectations are high for a competitive season. Orlando Pirates, last season’s runners-up, will be eager to close the gap on Sundowns, with their new coach, Abdeslam Ouaddou, leading the charge.
Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs, who finished ninth last season but secured the Nedbank Cup, will be looking for a significant improvement in their league form under coach Nasreddine Nabi.
The league is also set to take a six-week break for the Africa Cup of Nations, which will be held in Morocco, meaning the traditional December holiday fixtures have been scrapped. This will present a new challenge for teams to maintain momentum throughout the campaign.
With new clubs, ambitious coaches, and a relentless champion, the 2025/2026 Betway Premiership season promises to be a captivating spectacle from the very first whistle
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