Huge match-ups loom in Betway Premiership

There are some massive Betway Premiership fixtures on the horizon, starting with a Soweto Derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer on February 1.

That will be followed by the Tshwane Derby between SuperSport United and Mamelodi Sundowns four days later, before title contenders Sundowns and Pirates clash on February 8.

They are three fixtures that could have a huge bearing on the remainder of the Betway Premiership season, especially the title race, and it is a crucial period of the season for all clubs confirmed.

Here are the key points from all of the fixtures:

ORLANDO PIRATES VS KAIZER CHIEFS
Saturday, February 1 at 15h30 at FNB StadiumPirates have never won four games in a row against Chiefs in the 55-year history of the Soweto Derby, but will have the opportunity to do just that as they also seek to keep up with Sundowns at the top of the table.

Jose Riveiro will also become the most successful Pirates coach in the Soweto Derby in the PSL era, having joined Ruud Krol and Micho Sredojevic on three wins last season.

Last five meetings:
- 09/03/24           Pirates 3-2 Chiefs (League)
- 11/11/23           Chiefs 0-1 Pirates (League)
- 06/05/23           Chiefs 1-2 Pirates (Nedbank Cup)
- 25/02/23           Chiefs 1-0 Pirates (League)
- 29/10/22           Pirates 0-1 Chiefs (League)

Pirates player to watch: Relebohile Mofokeng has proven himself a player for the big stage and already has several key goals for Pirates in the last few seasons. His trickery on the left wing will be a handful for the Chiefs defence that has battled for clean sheet this season. Mofokeng will relish this opportunity to shine.   

Chiefs player to watch: Mdu Shabalala has been one of Chiefs’ stand-out performers this season and along with Wandile Duba is the join leading scorer for the side in the league this season. He is only 21 but is already in his fourth season in the first team so has experience beyond his years.

Quick fact: There have been 180 previous meetings between the sides since their first in January 1970, with Chiefs leading the head-to-head 74-47.

SUPERSPORT UNITED VS MAMELODI SUNDOWNS

Wednesday, February 5 at 19h30 at Lucas Moripe Stadium

Sundowns are facing a greater title challenge this year than for several seasons, but they look to be holding firm under new coach Miguel Cardoso. They now have a break from the CAF Champions League until the quarter-final stage in late March, but the fixtures come thick and fast and this will be a fourth in 14 days as they play catch-up in the domestic league.

It has been a rough campaign for SuperSport so far as they battle for goals, but this is an opportunity for them to turn the corner.

Last five meetings:
- 17/09/24           Sundowns 2-0 SuperSport (League)
- 12/03/24           Sundowns 1-1 SuperSport (League)
- 29/11/23           SuperSport 0-2 Sundowns (League)
- 16/01/23           Sundowns 1-0 SuperSport (League)
- 02/09/22           SuperSport 2-1 Sundowns (League)

SuperSport player to watch: Samir Nurkovic is new through the door but has been brought in to find goals for Matsatsantsa. He may need some time to click into gear after six months on the sidelines, but has the quality and experience to unlock the Sundowns defence. He will also be raring to go against the league leaders.

Sundowns player to watch: Lucas Ribeiro is having another strong season for Sundowns with both his goals and assists and could be a key man against a stubborn SuperSport defence. His eight goal contributions in the league (five goals, three assists) is the most in the Betway Premiership for the team this season.

Quick fact: SuperSport have a single win in their last 12 meetings with Sundowns, who have eight wins and three draws in that time.

MAMELODI SUNDOWNS VS ORLANDO PIRATES
Saturday, February 8 at 15h30 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium

This will be a first meeting of the season between the two Betway premiership heavyweights and could have a huge bearing on the title race.

Pirates have had the better of recent meetings, including edging Sundowns in both the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup finals last season.

Before that it was all Sundowns as they won three in a row, but Pirates coach Riveiro appears to have come up with a tactical plan for the Chloorkop side.

Last five meetings:
- 01/06/24           Sundowns 1-2 Pirates (Nedbank Cup)
- 17/02/24           Sundowns 1-1 Pirates (League)
- 07/10/23           Pirates 0-0 Sundowns (MTN8)
- 20/09/23           Pirates 0-1 Sundowns (League)
- 04/02/23           Pirates 0-1 Sundowns (League)

Sundowns player to watch: Teboho Mokoena can boss a midfield and get his team on the front foot, having done so against Pirates plenty of times before. Win the midfield, win the game. He also has an eye for goal from range and Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine will have to be on his toes.

Pirates player to watch: Tshegofatso Mabasa has turned into an elite finisher and while he shares the striker duties with Evidence Makgopa, is the more clinical in front of goal. Good in the air, strong on the deck, he has a knack of ghosting into good positions.

Quick fact: Both Pirates and Sundowns have scored 22 goals in 11 games in the Betway Premiership this season, comfortably the most of all the sides.