The 2025/26 Betway Premiership title race is shaping up to be a three-horse affair. Orlando Pirates have reclaimed top spot on 35 points after back-to-back 2-0 wins, while Mamelodi Sundowns (32pts) and a resurgent Kaizer Chiefs (30pts) refuse to let them pull away. Here's our breakdown of the Big Three and the best bets heading into February's packed fixture list.
Current Betway Premiership Standings (Top 8)
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Orlando Pirates | 15 | 11 | 2 | 2 | +17 | 35 |
| 2 | Mamelodi Sundowns | 15 | 9 | 5 | 1 | +17 | 32 |
| 3 | Kaizer Chiefs | 15 | 8 | 6 | 1 | +9 | 30 |
| 4 | AmaZulu | 17 | 9 | 3 | 5 | +3 | 30 |
| 5 | Sekhukhune United | 17 | 8 | 5 | 4 | +7 | 29 |
| 6 | Durban City | 17 | 7 | 4 | 6 | +2 | 25 |
| 7 | TS Galaxy | 17 | 7 | 3 | 7 | +5 | 24 |
| 8 | Polokwane City | 16 | 6 | 6 | 4 | +2 | 24 |
Table as of 7 February 2026. Pirates and Sundowns have games in hand on the chasing pack.
Orlando Pirates: The Team to Beat
Rojo Nyama are flying. Their recent 2-0 victory over AmaZulu at Moses Mabhida Stadium — inspired by a Relebohile Mofokeng masterclass — sent them back to the summit. That result followed a 2-0 win over Magesi FC at the newly renamed Orlando Amstel Arena.
- Form: W-W-W-D-W-W in their last six — the best run in the league
- Defence: Just 5 goals conceded in 15 matches — the meanest in the PSL
- Key man: Relebohile Mofokeng has been electric, with his pace and creativity tormenting defences
- Games in hand: Pirates have played just 15 matches compared to some teams on 17 — significant title advantage
Three points clear with games in hand and the best defence in the league. Pirates are deserved favourites but the Soweto Derby looms on Feb 28.
Mamelodi Sundowns: Still the Standard
Don't write off Masandawana. They opened a six-point lead earlier in the campaign before Pirates clawed it back. With 9 wins and just 1 defeat from 15 matches, their consistency under Miguel Cardoso remains remarkable — despite a disappointing 1-1 draw with Siwelele to end 2025.
- Form: W-D-W-D-W-W — unbeaten in six but two draws have been costly
- Attack: 24 goals scored — joint-highest goal difference (+17) alongside Pirates
- Concern: Continental commitments could drain energy — Champions League campaigns always take a toll
- The gap: 3 points behind Pirates with the same number of games played
Sundowns have the squad depth and experience to sustain a challenge. If Pirates drop points in the Soweto Derby, Masandawana could pounce.
Kaizer Chiefs: The Surprise Package
This has been a remarkable campaign for Amakhosi. Third in the table with 30 points from 15 matches, they've been built on an incredible defensive record — just 6 goals conceded all season, the best among the title contenders.
Recent form has been gritty rather than glamorous: back-to-back 1-0 wins over Golden Arrows and Marumo Gallants show a team that knows how to grind out results. Add a 1-0 win over ZESCO in the CAF Confederation Cup and Chiefs are juggling three competitions.
- Form: W-W-D-D-W-W — unbeaten in six across all competitions
- Defence: Only 6 goals conceded in 15 league matches — extraordinary
- February fixtures: Huge month ahead — Nedbank Cup (lost 2-1 to Stellenbosch on Feb 4), CAF Confederation Cup vs Al-Masry (Feb 8) and Zamalek (Feb 15), then the league fixtures and the Soweto Derby vs Pirates (Feb 28)
- Concern: Nedbank Cup R32 exit (2-1 at Loftus Versfeld) shows vulnerability on the road
Five points behind Pirates with the same games played. February will define their season. The Soweto Derby on Feb 28 at FNB Stadium is massive.
AmaZulu: The Fourth Force
Don't overlook Usuthu. Also on 30 points, they've played 17 matches compared to Chiefs' 15. Their 9 wins show quality, but 5 defeats suggest inconsistency. The 2-0 loss to Pirates in their most recent outing was a reality check.
Same points as Chiefs but with two extra games played. The maths makes a title challenge difficult, but they'll be in the top-four race all season.
Key Fixture to Watch: Soweto Derby — 28 February
Mark it in your diary. Kaizer Chiefs host Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium on Saturday, 28 February (15:30 kick-off). With potentially just 2-5 points separating them, this could be the defining match of the title race.
Pirates have the better form and firepower, but Chiefs' defensive record and home advantage at FNB make this a genuine 50/50. Pirates haven't lost in six but the Derby is always different.