Orlando Pirates’ bid for a first championship success in 14 years dominates the proceedings of the final day of Betway Premiership action on Saturday.
But besides seeing whether Pirates can get over the line and dethrone Mamelodi Sundowns, finalising the top eight places and deciding relegation must also be settled.
Six of the seven remaining matches have something riding on them. Only the fixture between Lamontville Golden Arrows and TS Galaxy could be considered a ‘dead rubber’, with the former already confirmed for the top eight and Galaxy clear of relegation but unable to break into the top half.
Here is a look at the permutations for the final day.
LEAGUE TITLE
Pirates must win at relegation-threatened Orbit College to claim the league championship, with any other result seeing Mamelodi Sundowns win a ninth championship in a row. The match will be played at the Mbombela Stadium (live on SuperSport).
This weekend, Orlando Pirates could:
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) May 22, 2026
- Win the #BetwayPrem with a club record of 69 points
- Become the team with the highest points finish without winning the league
How will it end?#SSDiski pic.twitter.com/44oLwkORfC
MTN8 QUALIFICATION
Sundowns, Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs, AmaZulu, Sekhukhune United, Golden Arrows and Polokwane City have already secured their places in the MTN8 next season.
Durban City need a point at home to AmaZulu to be sure, but could even make it if they lose. They have 39 points and a 0 goal difference, while Stellenbosch and Siwelele are both on 36 points with a -4 goal difference.
Stellenbosch, therefore, must win away to relegation-threatened Marumo Gallants in Bloemfontein, while Siwelele also need a victory in their away clash in Polokwane against Sekhukhune. They need Durban City to lose but must also win handsomely to make up the goal difference.
RELEGATION
Four clubs remain in the mix, though Chippa United cannot be relegated automatically.
Most in danger are bottom side Magesi, who have 21 points (-20 goal difference). In the relegation play-off position are Orbit with 24 points (-24), and one place above them, Marumo Gallants with 24 points (-17). Chippa have 25 points (-21).
Magesi’s only hope is to win at home in Seshego to Richards Bay, who have nothing to play for, and hope Pirates beat Orbit. In that instance, Orbit would be automatically relegated.
Magesi could even achieve absolute safety if Gallants lose heavily enough against top-eight chasing Stellenbosch.
The only way Chippa are sucked into the equation is if both Orbit College and Gallants get a point and Chippa lose away Kaizer Chiefs in Durban.
If Gallants beat Stellenbosch, they should be safe, even if Orbit upset Pirates because of the goal difference. Gallants can also lose and still be safe if Orbit also lose and Magesi fail to win.