Premiership race looks like an exciting affair after Orlando Pirates smash Chippa United

We have the makings of a closely-contested championship race on our hands, South Africa!

For the first time in years, South Africa’s traditional top three are showing real fight — and with Sekhukhune United in the mix too, the 2025/26 Betway Premiership is shaping up to be a tightly contested thriller.

As the league pauses for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the log tells a story of genuine competition. Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, and surprise pace-setters Sekhukhune United are all firmly in the hunt.

Eric Tinkler’s Sekhukhune lead the standings with 13 points from five games, just ahead of Chiefs, also on 13 but behind on goal difference. Sundowns sit third, two points adrift, while Pirates have surged to fifth on nine points — level with TS Galaxy — following a third consecutive league win.

The Buccaneers were in ruthless form on Sunday, dispatching Chippa United 3-0 in Gqeberha. Oswin Appollis starred with a commanding display that saw him claim the Player of the Match award — a performance sure to have pleased Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos ahead of the crucial qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria.

Though Appollis didn’t get on the scoresheet, he delivered two assists and dictated play with a swagger that bordered on disrespect — had he scored when his second-half shot hit the base of the post, it would have capped off a complete performance.

Tito Maswanganyi opened the scoring in the 10th minute after a gift-wrapped error from Chippa goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, whose attempt at building from the back was easily intercepted by Kamogelo Sebelele. He fed Evidence Makgopa, who teed up Maswanganyi to calmly slot home.

Pirates should have added more early on as Chippa’s backline continued to self-destruct. Maswanganyi and Makgopa both squandered chances as the hosts played dangerously out from the back.

Deon Hotto doubled the lead just before halftime with a composed finish, and substitute Tshepang Moremi sealed the win in the second half with a low drive after another assist from the irrepressible Appollis.

There was a worrying moment when Maswanganyi limped off injured after slipping while trying to entertain the crowd — a groin concern that will have Broos anxiously awaiting updates.

Still, it was a dominant Pirates performance — full of intent and attacking flair — that sent a clear message: they’re here to compete. With Sundowns, Chiefs, and Sekhukhune all looking sharp too, South African football fans can finally rejoice:

The title race is on, and it's wide open. Buckle up, Mzansi!