The run-in to the Betway Premiership title is now effectively a two-team race with the form of champions Mamelodi Sundowns and second placed Orlando Pirates pulling them away from the chasing pack.
Pirates have finished runners-up to Sundowns for the last three seasons but the points difference between the pair has been significant.
This campaign, however, there are only two points separating the two clubs, who both have seven fixtures to play.
Pirates next play against Richards Bay away on Friday with a chance to go top of the standings while Sundowns will spend the next week focusing on trying to win a place in the African Champions League final.
Kaizer Chiefs, Richards Bay and Stellenbosch could all have a major say in the title race in the coming weeks, but there are several other potential spoilers too.
The trio must all play both title challengers in the remaining fixtures, with Pirates hoping that Chiefs can do them a favour and take points off Sundowns on 6 May.
Pirates and Chiefs meet in the Soweto derby at Soccer City on 26 April.
Four of Sundowns’ remaining seven games are at home, where they have been virtually unbeatable over the past few years, with matches against Stellenbosch, Chiefs, Siwelele and Polokwane City.
The perfect 🔟
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) April 9, 2026
Mamelodi Sundowns have won 10 successive matches in the #BetwayPrem in 2026.#SSDiski pic.twitter.com/ozcAuUhAJg
They must also play Polokwane City away, plus travel to Richards Bay and TS Galaxy, who have been a constant thorn in their side in recent times and knocked them out of the Nedbank Cup this season.
Pirates have only three home games remaining against AmaZulu, Chiefs (which will be played at Soccer City) and Durban City.
They go to Richards Bay, Stellenbosch, Magesi and Orbit College on the final day of the season.
Just when that final day of the campaign is played depends on whether Sundowns make the final of the Champions League, as for now the dates clash.
The last day of the Betway Premiership is set down for 23 May, and the season must be completed by 24 May for players to be released for the World Cup squad.
The Champions League final legs are scheduled for 15 and 24 May, but as the Betway Premiership rules state that the final two rounds must see all games played concurrently, the final games may be moved to midweek between these ties if Sundowns make it past Esperance.
They play the first leg of their semifinal away in Tunis on Sunday.
Mamelodi Sundowns’ final seven fixtures: Polokwane City (away), Stellenbosch FC (home), Richards Bay (away), Kaizer Chiefs (home), Siwelele (home), TS Galaxy (away), Polokwane City (home)
Orlando Pirates’ final seven fixtures: Richards Bay (away), AmaZulu (home), Kaizer Chiefs (home), Stellenbosch FC (away), Magesi FC (away), Durban City (home), Orbit College (away).