Sekhukhune look to consolidate top spot

Sekhukhune United will look to consolidate their place at the top of the Betway Premiership when they host Golden Arrows in one of six matches scheduled for this coming weekend.

Sekhukhune kept up their outstanding start to the 2025/26 campaign when they defeated Kaizer Chiefs 3-1 away from home in midweek – becoming the first team to both score against and defeat the Amakhosi this season.

The result took them clear of the top of the log, and they remained in pole position after champions Mamelodi Sundowns could only draw 1-1 with Marumo Gallants – leaving them a point behind Babina Noko despite having played an extra game.

Eric Tinkler’s men will welcome Arrows (who suffered a second successive loss when they were downed 2-1 at Polokwane City in midweek) to the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday afternoon – with the coach playing down talk of his team being early contenders for the title.

“It will be very premature for me to be saying we are going to be competing for the league. It is only six games in and a lot of things can happen in a short space of time,” said the former Bafana Bafana hard-man.

Sundowns, meanwhile, will be looking to respond strongly when they host Durban City at Lucas Moripe Stadium later the same day.

The Brazilians were underwhelming in their stalemate with Gallants, and will need to step up their level against a City side boosted by returning to form: they defeated Siwelele 2-0 to snap a three-game winless streak.

“I don't have any emotions when playing Sundowns, in football I don't have any emotions win or lose. I try my best to implement [our game plan] as best as we can. That's all we can do. We will have a plan of what we can do and where we can change things,” said Durban coach Gavin Hunt.

Saturday will also feature strugglers Magesi FC and Siwelele FC meeting at the Seshego Stadium; bottom-of-the-log Orbit College will target a win at home to Gallants at Olympia Park Stadium; and Stellenbosch FC will be desperate to get the better of Richards Bay at the Danie Craven Stadium after winning just one of their opening six league matches.

Sunday’s lone match sees Polokwane City and Chippa United – fresh from respective midweek wins over Arrows and Orbit – meet at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.

“I'm pleased with our first win,” said Chilli Boys coach Luc Eymael. “I told my players that we have no intention of giving up. But if it comes to it, we will fight until the end on the pitch. I told my players: If you die, die on the pitch!”

With Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs absent due to their participation in CAF club preliminaries, this weekend will be two fixtures short of a full round.

BETWAY PREMIERSHIP WEEKEND FIXTURES

All times CAT

Saturday 20 September

3pm: Magesi FC v Siwelele FC

3pm: Sekhukhune United v Golden Arrows

5:30pm: Stellenbosch FC v Richards Bay

8pm: Mamelodi Sundowns v Durban City

8pm: Orbit College v Marumo Gallants

SUNDAY 21 SEPTEMBER

3pm: Polokwane City v Chippa United

POSTPONED DUE TO CAF CLUB FIXTURES:

AmaZulu v Orlando Pirates

TS Galaxy v Kaizer Chiefs