PICK OF THE SPORT: Orlando Pirates are closing in on Sundowns with momentum and games in hand—every match now could decide the title race, writes Dylan Bettencourt.
While Mamelodi Sundowns sit comfortably on top with 58 points, their match is postponed—giving everyone else a golden chance to make moves. Orlando Pirates, just behind on 43 points with a game in hand, head to Polokwane City aiming to tighten their grip on second place.
But it won’t be easy—Polokwane are sitting just outside the top four and know a win could put them into serious contention.
TS Galaxy, tied on points with Stellenbosch in fourth, face a tricky trip to Kaizer Chiefs.
The Soweto giants are in eighth and running out of time to salvage a season of inconsistency. Lose here, and they risk slipping into the bottom half.
At the other end of the table, SuperSport United are in real trouble.
Rock bottom with just 22 points, they’ll be desperate for a result against Gallants, who themselves are only three points clear of the relegation playoff spot.
It’s a true battle for survival. Meanwhile, Cape Town City take on Sekhukhune United in a game that pits mid-table frustration against top-four ambition.
It all starts on Friday night with a KZN derby between AmaZulu and Richards Bay.
AmaZulu are clinging to seventh place and eyeing a top-eight finish, while Richards Bay hover dangerously close to the drop zone.
Both teams need the points but for very different reasons.
Golden Arrows and Chippa United clash in another tight mid-table affair.
Just two points separate them and both have an outside shot at cracking the top eight if they can string together a few results. Expect a cagey, high-stakes encounter.
Fixtures:
Friday, 4 April
AmaZulu vs Richards Bay, 19:30
Saturday, 5 April
Polokwane City vs Orlando Pirates, 15:00
Golden Arrows vs Chippa United, 15:00
Gallants vs SuperSport United, 15:00
Kaizer Chiefs vs TS Galaxy, 19:00
Sunday, 6 April
Cape Town City vs Sekhukhune United, 17:30
➤ The EPCR Challenge Cup roars back this weekend as we enter the knockout stages—and South Africa’s clubs are right in the thick of it. With silverware on the line and a route to next season’s Champions Cup at stake, there’s no room for error.
The Sharks, last year’s champions, head to France to face Lyon on Sunday. It’s been a bumpy domestic season for the Durban side, but knockout rugby has a way of bringing the best out of them.
The Bulls, dropping down from the Champions Cup, face Bayonne in the early Saturday clash. It’s a tough away day against a physical French side, but the Bulls will feel they’ve got the squad and experience to go deep in this competition. Jake White’s men will want a dominant performance to signal their intent.
The Lions add to the South African charge when they travel to Edinburgh on Friday night. With both teams sitting mid-table in their pools, this one’s a real toss-up.
The Lions have been unpredictable all season, but if they click, they’re a threat to anyone.
The format from here is straight knockout. Win, and you’re in the quarter-finals. Lose, and it’s game over.
Three South African teams. Three do-or-die clashes. Let’s see who steps up.
Fixtures:
Friday, 4 April
Edinburgh vs Lions, 21:00
Saturday, 5 April
Bayonne vs Bulls, 13:30
Sunday, 6 April
Lyon vs Sharks, 18:30
➤ Over in Japan, Formula 1 returns to the iconic Suzuka Circuit for the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix. McLaren has been the dominant force in the early season, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri taking the first two race wins in Australia and China, respectively.
The question now is whether they can make it three in a row and truly stake their claim in the championship fight.
Qualifying takes place early Saturday morning South African time, and all eyes will be on Red Bull and Ferrari to see if they can stop the McLaren charge.
Race day is Sunday at 7am SA time.
F1 Weekend Schedule:
Saturday, 5 April
Qualifying, 08:00–09:00
Sunday, 6 April
Race, 07:00
Pictured above: Orlando Pirates.
Image source: Orlando Pirates
