The Betway Premiership roars back to life on 1 August, but one of South Africa’s biggest clubs will be conspicuously absent. Mamelodi Sundowns, perennial heavyweights of the domestic game, won’t be part of the opening weekend action — their clash with Marumo Gallants has been pushed back to 19 August at Loftus Versfeld. Watch all the action live on SuperSport.
That doesn’t mean the Brazilians will be idle. Their month is packed with high-stakes fixtures, starting with an MTN8 quarterfinal against Polokwane City on 8 August in Tshwane. Just days later, they head to Mbombela for a fiery Tuesday night showdown with TS Galaxy — the very side that derailed Sundowns’ title defence last season. Revenge will be on the menu.
The schedule only intensifies from there. On 15 August, Sundowns march into the FNB Stadium for a blockbuster clash against Kaizer Chiefs, a fixture that always carries weight and spectacle. The month closes with back-to-back home ties: Gallants on 19 August and AmaZulu on 26 August.
Meanwhile, defending champions Orlando Pirates begin their quest to retain the crown with a home opener against newly promoted Milford FC at Orlando Amstel Arena on 1 August, kick-off at 3pm CAT live on SuperSport. The Buccaneers then switch focus to the MTN8, hosting Durban City on 8 August, before diving back into league action against AmaZulu away on 12 August.
Four days later, Pirates head to Kings Park Stadium for a Sunday clash with Chippa United, and they round off August under the lights at Orlando with a 7:30pm CAT kick-off against Sekhukhune United.
August promises drama, rivalries, and redemption stories — a month where Sundowns chase vengeance and Pirates aim to prove their championship mettle once again.
KEY BETWAY PREMIERSHIP MATCHUPS
- Soweto Derby (Orlando Pirates vs Kaizer Chiefs) 31 October 2026 and 13 March 2027
- Limpopo Derby (Polokwane City vs Sekhukhune United) 15 August 2026 and 06 March 2027
- eThekwini Derby (Golden Arrows vs AmaZulu FC) 31 October 2026 and 27 February 2027
- uMhlathuze Derby (Milford FC vs Richards Bay FC) 13 September 2026 and 24 April 2027
- Mpumalanga Derby (Kruger United vs TS Galaxy FC) 13 September 2026 and 17 April 2027
- Free State Derby (Siwelele FC vs Marumo Gallants) 30 October 2026 and 09 May 2027
- Mamelodi Sundowns vs Orlando Pirates 09 January 2027 and 24 April 2027
- Kaizer Chiefs vs Mamelodi Sundowns 15 August 2026 and 06 February 2027
- Stellenbosch FC vs Chippa United 30 October 2026 and 08 May 2027