The Betway Premiership is delivering a season for the ages. As we move through March 2026, the South African football landscape is buzzing with an intense title race, a historic goalscoring record, and the emergence of new stars. From a stunning Soweto Derby victory to a shock defeat for the reigning champions, here are the latest highlights and key developments you need to know.
The Title Race: A Two-Horse Showdown
The battle at the top of the Betway Premiership table has intensified, with Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns locked in a fierce duel.
Pirates Go Top After Polokwane Victory
Orlando Pirates secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday night. The win was crucial, propelling the Buccaneers to the top of the log. After a goalless first half, the in-form Relebohile Mofokeng broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute. Although Polokwane equalized late on, Patrick Maswanganyi popped up in stoppage time (90+1′) to snatch all three points for the Sea Robbers .
This victory puts Pirates level on points with Sundowns, setting up a grandstand finish to the season.
Sundowns’ Unbeaten Run Shockingly Ended
Just days after a massive victory over their title rivals, Mamelodi Sundowns were brought back down to earth. In a shocking turn of events, Golden Arrows defeated the defending champions 1-0. The hero for Arrows was Sede Junior Dion, who scored the winner in the 30th minute, ending Sundowns’ lengthy unbeaten run and proving that there are no easy games in the Betway Premiership .
The Pivotal Clash: Sundowns Conquer Pirates
The title race took a decisive turn when the two giants met at Orlando Stadium. In a crucial top-of-the-table clash, Mamelodi Sundowns defeated Orlando Pirates 2-1. The hero for the Brazilians was Brian Luiz, who netted a first-half brace to secure a vital away victory, sending a clear message to their title rivals .
Soweto Derby Dominance: Pirates Thrash Chiefs
The Soweto Derby lived up to its billing with a display of total football from the Buccaneers. At a packed FNB Stadium, Orlando Pirates secured a dominant 3-0 victory over their arch-rivals, Kaizer Chiefs. The goals came from Tshepang Moremi (5′), Oswin Appollis (39′), and Evidence Makgopa (78′), giving the Pirates faithful a memorable day out and further highlighting the gulf in form between the two sides .
The victory was a statement of intent from Pirates, while for Chiefs, it compounded a period of intense struggle. Amakhosi’s woes deepened shortly after the derby when they slumped to a third straight league loss, falling 1-0 to Richards Bay. This defeat highlighted the inconsistency that has plagued Kaizer Chiefs this season .
Individual Brilliance: February Awards and a Legendary Record
While the team battles rage on, individual players have been stepping into the spotlight.
Mofokeng, Cardoso, and Lilepo Scoop Monthly Accolades
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) announced the Betway Premiership monthly awards for the January–February period, with winners across three categories :
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Player of the Month: Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates) – The young sensation was in scintillating form, registering three goals and three assists in six matches, also earning three consecutive Man of the Match awards .
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Coach of the Month: Miguel Cardoso (Mamelodi Sundowns) – The Sundowns coach guided his team to four wins from four matches during the period, including the crucial away victory over Orlando Pirates. He edged out competition from Pirates’ Abdeslam Ouaddou and Stellenbosch FC’s Gavin Hunt .
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Goal of the Month: Glody Lilepo (Kaizer Chiefs) – Despite the team’s struggles, Lilepo provided a moment of magic, winning the award for his wonder-strike against Marumo Gallants in January .
Shalulile Makes History
Beyond the monthly awards, a monumental record was broken. Peter Shalulile has cemented his legacy as the PSL’s all-time top goalscorer. The Mamelodi Sundowns forward’s relentless hunger and clinical finishing have seen him surpass previous legends, etching his name into the history books of South African football.
What’s Next: Cup Competitions and Continental Ambitions
As the league season heats up, South African clubs are also juggling cup commitments and continental aspirations.
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Nedbank Cup: The Ke Yona Cup continues to add excitement to the calendar. In a major shock, TS Galaxy eliminated Mamelodi Sundowns in the Round of 16 with a 2-0 victory, proving that cup football is full of surprises . The competition remains wide open as teams battle for silverware.
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CAF Champions League: The focus will soon shift to Africa. The CAF Champions League quarter-final matchups are set for March 2026. South African hopes will be carried by Orlando Pirates, who are involved in the continental showpiece. They will face stiff competition from African giants like Al Ahly and Esperance as they look to bring the title back to South Africa .
Looking Ahead: Promotion and Relegation Battles
At the other end of the spectrum, the battle for survival is just as gripping. In the promotion playoffs, Orbit College recently defeated Casric Stars 1-0, showcasing the high stakes involved in earning a spot in next season’s top flight . With teams like Magesi rooted to the bottom of the log, every point is precious in the fight to avoid the drop .
The Betway Premiership continues to provide non-stop drama, world-class goals, and compelling storylines. Whether it’s the title race, the battle for continental qualification, or the fight for survival, the beautiful game in South Africa is thriving.
