Relegation fight set to intensify as Premiership nears the halfway point

As the Betway Premiership campaign approaches its halfway mark, the lower half of the table has already produced a few surprises. 

With fixtures coming thick and fast, the battle to avoid slipping into an early relegation fight will resume in full force once league action returns after the international break.

Although there’s still time for struggling teams to recover, history shows that most relegated sides often realise too late just how costly a poor start can be — something these teams must avoid at all costs.

Here’s a look at the five clubs currently hovering near the bottom, all with an urgent need to find solutions to stay afloat.

Marumo Gallants | 12th

Alexandre Lafitte’s side have experienced an inconsistent start to the season and currently sit just four points clear of the drop zone, though only three points off the top half.

With three wins from their opening 12 fixtures, Siwelele sa Marumo have shown promise but remain short of consistency.

Their main setback has been wastefulness in front of the goal. Four draws have cost them dearly, and if they can improve their finishing, they could easily climb the table in the coming matches.

Remaining fixtures 2025: Sekhukhune United (H), Magesi FC (H) and TS Galaxy (A)

Orbit College | 13th

The Rustenburg-based debutants are still adjusting to the demands of top-flight football, yet coach Pogiso Makhoye has managed to keep them competitive despite his limited experience at this level.

While they aren’t safe yet, their early results provide a solid foundation for survival. Orbit have been impressive at home, collecting seven points from three games at Olympia Park, but their defensive record remains a concern, with 20 goals conceded in 12 matches.

Finding improvements at the back will be key to staying clear of the drop.

Remaining fixtures 2025: Stellenbosch FC (H), Mamelodi Sundowns (A) and Durban City (H)

Magesi FC | 14th

After spending much of last season battling relegation, Magesi are once again flirting with danger. Their inconsistency has been their undoing, with only one win in their last five matches leaving them precariously close to the drop zone.

Dikwena tsa Meetse need to rediscover their rhythm quickly, or risk falling further behind. Their next encounter against Kaizer Chiefs presents a major test — and possibly a turning point — as they look to spark a much-needed run of positive results.

Remaining fixtures 2025: Kaizer Chiefs (H), Marumo Gallants (A), and Sekhukhune United (H)

Stellenbosch FC | 15th

Stellenbosch’s current struggles come as a surprise given their impressive campaigns in recent seasons. The off-season loss of several key players has clearly disrupted their momentum, leaving Steve Barker’s men facing a tough battle to regain form.

To make matters more challenging, Stellies are juggling domestic commitments with a demanding CAF Confederation Cup schedule. Although they possess enough quality to avoid relegation, their inability to turn good performances into points remains a major concern.

Remaining fixtures 2025: Orbit College (A) and Polokwane City (H)

Chippa United | 16th

Chippa United have often escaped danger through mid-season coaching changes, but this year the challenge looks more daunting. With just one win from 12 games, new coach Vusimuzi Vilakazi must find a way to spark a revival.

The Chilli Boys have already suffered seven defeats and will be under immense pressure when they resume their campaign against high-flying Orlando Pirates at Orlando Stadium. Unless their fortunes change soon, another long battle for survival seems inevitable.

Remaining fixtures 2025: Orlando Pirates (A), Siwelele FC (A) and Kaizer Chiefs (H)