With back-to-back wins under their belt, Kaizer Chiefs have the top three firmly in their sights. The race for CAF qualification is heating up, and with a massive run of fixtures ahead, every point is a step closer to returning to the continent. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
While the title race between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns continues to grab headlines, the real intrigue in the Betway Premiership is unfolding just below them.
Only nine points separate third-placed AmaZulu FC and eighth-placed Golden Arrows, turning the race for CAF qualification and Top 8 security into a weekly scrap. Here, Smiso Msomi takes a closer look at the teams in the mix for the final qualification spot for pan-African competition next season, while battling it out for a lucrative Top 8 finish.
POINTS 37 | P22 W11 D4 L7 GF22 GA19
AmaZulu currently occupy the coveted third spot, but their position is anything but secure.
With just a one-point cushion over fourth, Usuthu are walking a tightrope — one slip could see them dragged into the pack. Their relatively modest goal tally suggests they’ve relied on efficiency over dominance, which could be tested in the run-in.
Remaining fixtures
April 6: v Sekhukhune United (H)
April 11: v Siwelele FC (A)
April 18: v Orlando Pirates (A)
April 25: v Chippa United (H)
May 6: Golden Arrows (H)
May 9: v Orbit College (A)
May 16: v Kaizer Chiefs (H)
May 23: v Durban City (A)
POINTS 36 | P20 W10 D6 L4 GF19 GA12
Amakhosi are firmly in the hunt and perhaps the favourites but their inconsistency remains a concern.
Despite boasting one of the best defensive records in the bracket, Amakhosi’s struggles in front of goal — just 19 scored — could cost them. Still, momentum is building, and a strong finish could see them leap into third.
Remaining fixtures:
April 6: v Orbit College (A)
April 12: v TS Galaxy (H)
April 15: v Magesi FC (A)
April 18: v Polokwane City (A)
April 25: v Orlando Pirates (A)
April 28: v Siwelele FC (A)
May 6: v Mamelodi Sundowns (A)
May 10: v Sekhukhune United (A)
May 16: v AmaZulu FC (A)
May 23: v Chippa United (H)
POINTS 35 | P22 W10 D5 L7 GF20 GA15
Durban City have, surprisingly and quietly, put together a competitive campaign in their first season back into the top flight. Their balanced goal difference reflects a well-drilled side, but their lack of cutting edge in big moments could prove decisive. They remain within touching distance — but cannot afford a dip.
Remaining fixtures:
April 7: v Mamelodi Sundowns (H)
April 11: v Golden Arrows (A)
April 19: v Magesi FC (A)
April 24: v Orbit College (H)
May 5: v Siwelele FC (A)
May 8: v Stellenbosch FC (H)
May 16: v Orlando Pirates (A)
May 23: v AmaZulu FC (H)
POINTS 34 | P22 W9 D7 L6 GF21 GA15
Sekhukhune are very much in the conversation, just three points off third. Their defensive solidity has kept them in contention, but like others in this bracket, converting draws into wins will define whether they climb or fall away.
Remaining fixtures:
April 6: v AmaZulu FC (A)
April 11: v Magesi FC (H)
April 17: v Stellenbosch FC (A)
April 25: v Marumo Gallants (H)
May 5: v Chippa United (A)
May 10: v Kaizer Chiefs (H)
May 16: v Richards Bay (A)
May 23: v Siwelele FC (H)
POINTS 29 | P21 W7 D8 L6 GF16 GA14
Rise and Shine are slightly adrift but still alive in the race. With a game in hand, they have an opportunity to close the gap — but their low-scoring record suggests they’ll need a sharper edge to break into the top five.
Remaining fixtures:
April 7: v TS Galaxy (A)
April 11: v Chippa United (A)
April 15: v Mamelodi Sundowns (H)
April 18: v Kaizer Chiefs (H)
April 26: v Stellenbosch FC (H)
May 6: v Richards Bay (A)
May 9: v Golden Arrows (A)
May 16: v Marumo Gallants (H)
May 23: v Mamelodi Sundowns (A)
POINTS 28 | P22 W8 D4 L10 GF28 GA26
Golden Arrows complete the Top 8, but the pressure is mounting on Coach Manqoba Mngqithi’s charges. With the weakest defensive record among the group, their place is under threat. A couple of poor results could see them drop out entirely.
Remaining fixtures:
April 7: v Orlando Pirates (A)
April 11: v Durban City (H)
April 18: v Orbit College (A)
April 24: v Siwelele FC (H)
May 6: v AmaZulu FC (A)
May 9: v Polokwane City (H)
May 16: v Chippa United (A)
May 23: v TS Galaxy (H)
The battle, however, does not end at eighth — if anything, it intensifies just below the cut-off line.
Stellenbosch FC are level on points with Golden Arrows, sitting ninth with 28, and breathing right down the necks of the Top 8. Their inferior goal difference may be the only thing keeping them out for now, but with momentum, they could easily flip the script in a matter of weeks.
Just behind them, Siwelele FC remain within striking distance on 26 points, while TS Galaxy, despite their recent heavy defeat, are still very much in the conversation on 25. Both sides understand that a short winning run could quickly pull them into the Top 8 equation.
Further back, Richards Bay FC sit on 23 points, knowing they cannot afford any more slip-ups if they are to keep their hopes alive.
With margins so tight, one win can lift a team into CAF contention, while one loss can push them out of the Top 8 altogether. Consistency, more than brilliance, will decide who finishes strong. And in a league where the spotlight often falls on the top two, this mid-table battle may ultimately deliver the most drama.