Tipster's Table | Soweto Derby takes centre stage as Premiership battles heat up

All eyes will be on the FNB Stadium this Saturday as Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates face off in another edition of the Soweto Derby — arguably the biggest fixture on the South African football calendar.

While Pirates are chasing Mamelodi Sundowns at the top and Chiefs are fighting to secure a Top 8 finish, this clash is about far more than just league points — it’s about pride, momentum, and a psychological edge ahead of their Nedbank Cup final meeting on May 10.

But the derby isn’t the only high-stakes match on the card. From relegation six-pointers to top-three tussles, this weekend’s round of the Betway Premiership fixtures could prove decisive in shaping the final standings.

Here’s your full preview.

FRIDAY

AmaZulu vs Polokwane City

7.30pm – King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium, Umlazi

AmaZulu host Polokwane City at King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium. AmaZulu currently sit sixth on the league table with 33 points, while Polokwane City are seventh with 32 points.

On current form, the outcome leans towards a home win for AmaZulu, who have established themselves as formidable at home. They have won five of their last six matches at this venue, keeping four clean sheets.

Polokwane City have fallen on hard times, winless in their previous three games. Their form is even more concerning when considering they have won just one of their last 12 matches heading into this clash.

Prediction: AmaZulu 1 Polokwane City 1

AmaZulu 2.19 | Draw 2.95 | Polokwane City 3.65

SATURDAY

Kaizer Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates

3.00pm – FNB Stadium, Johannesburg

Chiefs and Pirates will lock horns in a crunch clash at FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon. This encounter will serve both as a dress rehearsal for their Nedbank Cup final meeting in Durban on 10 May and a significant moment in their respective league campaigns.

While the Amakhosi are fighting to secure a top-eight finish, the second-placed Pirates are attempting to chase down leaders Mamelodi Sundowns and deny them an eighth consecutive league championship.

However, Pirates’ ambitions suffered a blow on Wednesday evening when they succumbed 1–0 at home to Sekhukhune United, allowing Sundowns to open a 12-point lead at the top – albeit having played two more matches.

Prediction: Kaizer Chiefs 0 Orlando Pirates 2

Kaizer Chiefs 3.50 | Draw 2.90 | Orlando Pirates 2.29

Golden Arrows vs Stellenbosch

3.00pm – Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban

Stellenbosch’s CAF Confederation Cup run unfortunately came to an end on Sunday afternoon after they lost 1–0 on aggregate to Simba in the semi-final.

However, they appear to have recovered from that heartbreak, having beaten Chippa United in the Betway Premiership on Wednesday night.

Given that they are not yet home and dry in their quest for a top-three finish, Stellies cannot afford any slip-ups, starting with their clash away to Arrows in Durban.

Arrows will not be easy customers for Stellies, though, as they will be eager to bounce back from their loss to AmaZulu in their bid to finish in the top eight this season.

Prediction: Golden Arrows 0 Stellenbosch 1

Golden Arrows 4.10 | Draw 3.35 | Stellenbosch 1.89

Magesi FC vs Sekhukhune United

5.30pm – Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane

Dikwena tsa Meetse have collected the most points of any PSL side over the last five encounters, and their timely impressive run of form has seen them drag themselves out of relegation danger. A top-eight finish is now a realistic target.

They come up against a Sekhukhune United side also brimming with confidence, having secured a shock 1–0 win over Orlando Pirates at the Orlando Stadium on Wednesday – possibly ending the Buccaneers’ league title dreams.

Babina Noko enjoyed a 1–0 victory the last time the two sides met, and this upcoming contest promises to be just as closely contested, with both sides still having plenty to fight for.

Prediction: Magesi FC 1 Sekhukhune United 1

Magesi FC 3.05 | Draw 2.80 | Sekhukhune United 2.60

SuperSport United vs Chippa United

5.45pm – Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane

SuperSport are in a race against time to move away from the relegation quagmire, currently sitting 15th on the log.

However, with five matches still to play this season, they will believe they can steer themselves to safety and avoid the relegation/promotion play-offs.

They will need to put their money where their mouth is and grind out results, starting with their clash against Chippa United.

Chippa are expected to come out guns blazing, as they aim to secure a top-eight finish, trailing eighth-placed Kaizer Chiefs by just one point.

Prediction: SuperSport United 1 Chippa United 0

SuperSport United 1.92 | Draw 3.25 | Chippa United 4.20

Cape Town City vs Mamelodi Sundowns

8pm – Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town

The Citizens are currently in 15th place and risk being dragged into the relegation battle if their fortunes don’t improve by the end of the season.

They face a formidable Mamelodi Sundowns outfit riding high after progressing to the CAF Champions League final and thrashing Richards Bay FC 3–0 in their most recent league outing.

The Brazilians beat City 3–0 in the reverse fixture, and as they close in on what would be their eighth consecutive league title, the quality and depth in their ranks could pile more misery on the Cape side.

Prediction: Cape Town City 0 Mamelodi Sundowns 2

Cape Town City 6.80 | Draw 4.10 | Mamelodi Sundowns 1.47

SUNDAY

TS Galaxy vs Richards Bay FC

3.00pm – Lucas Moripe Stadium, Atteridgeville (neutral venue)

The Rockets have slipped behind in the race for a top-three finish, but a fifth-place spot remains within reach, representing an improvement on last season’s sixth-place showing.

Richards Bay edged Galaxy 1–0 in the reverse fixture, and they continue to fight for survival in the top flight. However, with this match being played at the neutral Lucas Moripe Stadium due to Galaxy’s continued unavailability of the Mbombela Stadium, the Rockets may find an edge.

Despite being winless in their last four matches, Galaxy should have enough firepower to overcome an inconsistent Richards Bay side.

Prediction: TS Galaxy 1 Richards Bay FC 0

TS Galaxy 2.12 | Draw 2.95 | Richards Bay FC 3.85