First 5 League Game Review: Chiefs, Pirates, and Sundowns

Ahead of the campaign, we ranked the fixture difficulty for each club and the rankings suggested that Chiefs would face one of the trickier starts, while Sundowns and Pirates were handed a moderately tough run of games to start the campaign. Five matches in, how have the trio fared against those expectations.

Kaizer Chiefs – Flawless

Chiefs entered the new season with pressure mounting on coach Nasreddine Nabi. After a season of inconsistency and a tough pre-season in the Netherlands many wondered whether they could set the right tone in a schedule that was rated the fourth-toughest in the league. Opening games against Stellenbosch, Polokwane City, Richards Bay, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Golden Arrows offered no room for error.

But Amakhosi rose to the challenge. Four wins and a draw saw them collect 13 points, their best five-game start since the bio-bubble and the first time they reached double digit points after the first five games since 2014. Even more impressive has been their defensive steel: zero goals conceded in the opening month, a stark contrast to their struggles in previous campaigns. Chiefs not only survived their tough opening schedule but thrived against it, setting down a marker that they see themselves as contenders for the title this year. In fact, their performance outstripped the historical trend of 6 – 7 points from their first five games in recent seasons. This time, they look far more resilient and well-drilled.

Season	Points (after 5 games)
2025/26	13
2024/25	7
2023/24	7
2022/23	6
2021/22	5
2020/21	5
2019/20	10

Orlando Pirates – A Mixed Bag

For the Buccaneers, the fixture computer handed them a manageable run: home against Sekhukhune, Stellenbosch and Orbit College, with trips to Gallants and Chippa in between. It was ranked as the 10th-easiest start in the league and expectations were high after what previous coach Jose Riveiro was able to produce in seasons gone by.

Instead, the results were mixed. With three wins and two defeats, the Soweto giants ended with nine points. Their attacking output was decent, six goals scored yet defensive lapses cost them in key moments, leading to three goals conceded and two costly defeats. For a side expected to capitalise on a relatively softer opening schedule, the Buccaneers will feel slightly underwhelmed. The expectations have been managed with a final secured in the MTN 8 against Stellenbosch FC just after the International break.

Mamelodi Sundowns – Meeting Expectations

The defending champions were handed the eighth-toughest start: Chippa, AmaZulu, Magesi, Chiefs, and Stellenbosch FC. On paper, it was neither the hardest nor the easiest run with internal rumours making up most of the noise. True to form, Sundowns managed their way through it with efficiency. Three wins and two draws meant they collected 11 points, extending their long unbeaten domestic run. Their defence, conceding just once, with six goals scored reflects their patient, possession-heavy approach. For Masandawana, it was a case of business as usual: not spectacular, but consistent and effective against a fairly tough early slate.

The fixture ratings suggested Chiefs might struggle and Pirates should breeze through, while Sundowns were expected to do what they always do. Instead, Chiefs outperformed expectations spectacularly, Pirates underwhelmed given their schedule, and Sundowns once again showed their professionalism. Early signs suggest that the title race could be tighter than in recent years, with Chiefs looking rejuvenated and Sundowns steady as ever. Pirates, meanwhile, will need to improve quickly to keep pace.