The wait is over as 2025/26 Betway Premiership returns to action on Monday following the festive break and the Africa Cup of Nations.
There has been a shift in the power balance of the competition over the first half of the season as Orlando Pirates currently lead the pack, having built a narrow two-point cushion over perennial champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Buccaneers have shown remarkable consistency this season, and although Sundowns remain hot on their heels, Masandawana have played an extra game.
It means it will be a must-win game for Sundowns as they host 13th-placed Orbit College on Monday night (kick off at 19:30).
Attention will then turn to Kaizer Chiefs on Tuesday when they take on Golden Arrows at the FNB Stadium (19:30). Amakhosi are fourth on the log, but just four points adrift of Pirates, while Arrows are in a precarious position in 10th.
There are numerous other mouthwatering matches to look forward, but the pick of the bunch is undoubtedly the battle between third-placed Sekhukhune United and log-leaders Pirates on Saturday (kick off at 15:30).
Upcoming fixtures as Sundowns, Chiefs and Pirates swing back into action
- Monday, 19 January
- Mamelodi Sundowns vs Orbit College – 19:30
- Tuesday, 20 January
- Kaizer Chiefs vs Golden Arrows – 19:30
- Sekhukhune United vs Stellenbosch FC – 19:30
- Wednesday, 21 January
- TS Galaxy vs Marumo Gallants – 19:30
- Friday, 23 January
- Richards Bay vs Siwelele (Bloemfontein Celtic) – 19:30
- Saturday, 24 January
- Orbit College vs Chippa United – 15:30
- Sekhukhune United vs Orlando Pirates – 15:30
- Sunday, 25 January
- AmaZulu FC vs TS Galaxy – 15:30
- Durban City vs Polokwane City – 18:00
All to play for
When looking at Mamelodi Sundowns, the defending champions restart their campaign at Loftus Versfeld with an important opportunity to jump back ahead of Orlando Pirates and to put a bit of daylight between themselves and Chiefs.
Sundowns have been nearly flawless at home this season and will look to exploit an Orbit College side that has struggled defensively, conceding 25 goals so far this campaign.
Meanwhile, Amakhosi enter 2026 with a sense of some stability after going unbeaten in their last five league games, and they will be heavy favourites against a Golden Arrows team that has lost four of their last five matches.
Then turning attention to the blockbuster clash on Saturday, Orlando Pirates travel to Polokwane to face a Sekhukhune United side that is desperate to jump back into the title conversation.
Pirates have been the most consistent team in the country, but ‘Babina Noko’ are notoriously difficult to beat at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.