PSL Fixture Difficulty: November – December 2025

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled for mid-December to mid-January 2026, is around the corner. Before then, it is the last opportunity for PSL clubs to collect points and climb the log table before the continental showpiece takes over. For the likes of Sundowns, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, the festive season leading up to the break will be critical. These are the three teams currently occupying the three top positions on the table. Laduma Analytics have used Opta’s club world rankings to analyze the remaining league fixtures, with some clubs seemingly having a slightly kinder path than their rivals.

Difficult fixtures

Siwelele, Chippa United and Durban City face the most difficult fixtures in the coming weeks. After a difficult start to the season, the Bloemfontein-based side have bounced back remarkably, climbing up the table to 10th. Indeed, they are unbeaten in four league games, a run bettered only by Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. Their next few fixtures see them host a confident AmaZulu and the Pirates above, teams with an average rating of 79 on the Opta scale. Chippa United and Durban City also have a tough run of games, with the common denominator for all three being Orlando Pirates. For Chippa, this is an important part of their season psychologically. Six or more points from their three games will be a confidence booster and help them climb out of the relegation spot. Anything less could see them anchor the table for the duration of AFCON and beyond.

Easier Fixtures

Sundowns and Orlando Pirates face the easiest fixtures in the coming weeks, and both teams will be aiming to consolidate their positions at the top. Pirates currently sit second on the log with 22 points from 10 games and face a run that is challenging due to fixture volume rather than opponent quality, especially considering another Cup final. Their upcoming schedule includes fixtures against Chippa United and Durban City, which on paper look like winnable games. However, they also have an all-important Carling Knockout cup final against Marumo Gallants in early December. Sundowns currently lead the standings with 25 points from 12 games and will mostly be travelling to continental destinations due to the CAF Champions League group stage starting this weekend. Their only PSL fixture will be against Siwelele FC, who themselves face three league games in 16 days.

The rest of the division

Kaizer Chiefs (currently third with 22 points from 11 games) don’t play more league games in November. Instead, they face Egyptian teams in the CAF Confederations Cup (both home and away). With just two games, both in early December, it allows the coaches time to plan and field the strongest squads for both competitions. The biggest league test will be the game against TS Galaxy, which will be the final league game before the AFCON break. The likes of Sekhukhune United (4th) and Polokwane City (5th) have also enjoyed strong starts. Their next few games, involving mostly mid-to-lower table opposition, are also favourable based on the rankings. Teams with fewer international call-ups, mostly often for clubs outside the top teams, may consider themselves at an advantage post AFCON.