Big Names Lead the Charge as 2025/26 PSL Season Fixtures Announced
The countdown is on for South African football fans as the Betway Premiership officially sets its return for the 2025/26 season. All eyes will be on three of the league's biggest clubs: Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Orlando Pirates, as their opening fixtures mark the start of what’s shaping up to be a hectic and unpredictable campaign.
This year, the football calendar starts over the weekend of 9-10 August. Mamelodi Sundowns, the team everyone is chasing as reigning champs, travel to Buffalo City Stadium to lock horns with Chippa United on Saturday, 9 August. The match isn't just important for the champions – Chippa will be hungry to spoil an opening-day celebration and signal they're not in the league just to make up the numbers.
The same afternoon, Orlando Pirates host Sekhukhune United at Orlando Stadium, a familiar home setting where they’ll look to set the pace in front of their fans. Coming straight off a cup clash against Polokwane City in the MTN8, Pirates will have to show depth and focus to keep both their trophy hopes alive early doors.
Sunday, 10 August throws down another crowd-pulling clash. Kaizer Chiefs head to the Athlone Stadium for a tricky test against Stellenbosch FC, who have a knack for making life difficult for visiting giants. This is just the start for Chiefs, though, with their first five games already looking like a test of stamina and strategy as they juggle travel and tough opponents.
Kaizer Chiefs Face Packed Early Schedule
After Stellenbosch, Chiefs will barely have time to breathe. Just three days later, on 13 August, they host Polokwane City – a team hoping to punch above their weight and take advantage of any early-season rustiness from the Soweto giants.
- 19 August: Chiefs face Richards Bay, a squad known for their resilience and stubborn defense, sometimes acting as season spoilers for bigger names.
- 24 August: They’re on the road to play Marumo Gallants, where away points are typically hard-fought.
- 27 August: The run ends the month with Chiefs back at home against TS Galaxy, another lively opponent who have tripped up bigger teams before.
If you’re keeping track, that’s five matches for Chiefs in just 18 days. For the squad and new signings, it’s a chance either to gel quickly or end up chasing the pack.
The opening weekend isn’t just about the big three, though. TS Galaxy welcomes Durban City at Mbombela Stadium, and in Durban, AmaZulu take on Orbit College at Moses Mabhida Stadium – a match where the underdogs will want to announce themselves in style.
All these fixtures, by the way, are subject to possible tweaks from the National Soccer League (NSL). Kickoff times and venues might shift as the campaign gets underway, but with the calendar in the open, fans and clubs are already mapping out their opening runs, road trips, and possible must-win matches right from the start.