PSL Fixtures: Which Teams Have The Toughest September?

We are also set for a thrilling MTN 8 Cup final at Mbombela Stadium this Saturday, before our attention turns back to the Premier Soccer League on Sunday.

Despite their mixed start, Mamelodi Sundowns remain South Africa’s strongest team. Yet two other teams currently lead the log ahead of the defending champions. The early PSL standings have produced a fascinating narrative, with Sekhukhune United and Kaizer Chiefs sharing the summit, both teams sitting on 13 points after five matches. This joint leadership has caught many by surprise, particularly Sekhukhune’s meteoric rise to the top of the table.

Orlando Pirates find themselves in third with 9 points, while the much-fancied Sundowns trail in fourth with 11 points. At the opposite end of the spectrum, Stellenbosch FC is enduring a difficult start with just 4 points from their opening fixtures.

Fixture Analysis: Who Has the Edge?

The upcoming rounds 6 – 9 could prove decisive in shaping the early-season narrative. Sekhukhune United, as current league leaders, face perhaps the most favorable run of fixtures for September. After a testing encounter against Chiefs, they’ll face Arrows, Chippa, and Polokwane, all considered manageable opponents. This golden opportunity could allow them to extend their lead into the next International break in October.

Kaizer Chiefs also enjoy a relatively kind fixture list, facing Sekhukhune, Galaxy, Marumo, and AmaZulu. Mixed in between will be the first round of CAF Confederations Cup qualification against Angolan side Kabuscorp Sport Clube do Palanca. With no particularly daunting challenges ahead, Amakhosi have a genuine chance to accumulate maximum points and potentially move clear at the top.

Orlando Pirates face a mixed bag of opponents in Marumo, Chippa, and Sekhukhune Utd. In addition, they will also face a 1st round encounter with Lesotho side Lioli FC in their bid to qualify for the CAF Champions League. While these fixtures appear manageable on paper, the Buccaneers must play catch-up before fixture congestion could play against them.

Mamelodi Sundowns face a congested September fixture list despite their opposition being rated as the slightly less challenging encounters. The Brazilians face Magesi FC, Marumo Gallants, Durban City, Golden Arrows and Richards Bay. They will need to rediscover their championship form quickly to avoid falling further behind the early pace-setters.

For MTN 8 finalists, Stellenbosch FC, the month of September represents a make-or-break period. Facing AmaZulu, Richards Bay, Durban City, and Kaizer Chiefs there are no easy games in sight. It will be a crucial month to pick up points or risk playing severe catch-up later in the season.

As the PSL resumes after the international break, the stage is set for a compelling few weeks that could define the early championship race. Sekhukhune’s favorable fixtures could cement their surprising leadership, while Stellenbosch’s difficult stretch threatens to derail their campaign before it truly begins.