Top 8 fight, Caf Confederation Cup scramble and relegation roulette – What’s still at stake as the Premier Soccer League season reaches its fiery climax?

The Buccaneers have locked down second place and a coveted Caf Champions League spot, but they’re not done yet. With eyes firmly set on rewriting the record books, Pirates are chasing down their all-time best points tally of 61, a benchmark set way back in the 2000/01 and 2002/03 seasons.

Their recent 1-0 triumph over SuperSport United, sealed by a clinical finish from rising star Mohau Nkota, has set the stage for a grand finale. Now, with clashes against AmaZulu and Magesi on the horizon, the Sea Robbers are just two wins away from making history. Buckle up - it’s full sail ahead.

The Glamour Boys find themselves in a precarious position heading into the final day of the season. Currently sitting 9th on 31 points, they are clinging to their Top 8 hopes by the slimmest of margins, just ahead of Marumo Gallants (31 points), Richards Bay (30 points) and Magesi (29 points). 

Their recent 1-1 draw with Sekhukhune United has done little to ease the pressure, and with fan frustration mounting and uncertainty looming over the coaching bench, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

For coach Nasreddine Nabi, this is more than just a match, it’s a chance to steady the ship, lay the foundation for a much-needed rebuild and possibly save his career at the club.

Stellenbosch and Sekhukhune United are locked in a fierce battle for a Caf Confederation Cup spot. The Cape Winelands side currently holds the advantage, sitting third with 47 points, while Sekhukhune trails closely with 46 points. 

For Steve Barker’s men, the path to continental football is clear - win the Cape Derby against a struggling Cape Town City side and their ticket to Africa is booked. But it won’t be that simple. Over at Sekhukhune, Eric Tinkler is plotting his own route to the Caf competition. Babina Noko must beat Golden Arrows and then hope Tinkler’s former club, City, can do him a favour by toppling Stellies and denying them maximum points.

With Royal AM’s expulsion flipping the script, no team will be relegated automatically this season but the club that finishes 15th isn’t off the hook just yet. They’ll be thrown into the fire of the PSL promotion-relegation playoffs, battling it out with two hungry National First Division contenders for top-flight survival.

Currently, it’s a tense three-way showdown to avoid that dreaded spot, with Golden Arrows (27 points), SuperSport United (26 points) and Cape Town City (26 points) all walking a tightrope.

For City, it’s simple and scary at the same time. A loss to Stellenbosch could lock them into the playoffs, unless SuperSport also stumble in both of their remaining matches. Should they finish level on 26 points, it’ll come down to goal difference, a nerve-wracking prospect for fans and players alike.

Arrows aren’t safe either. Consecutive defeats to Sekhukhune and SuperSport could see them dragged into the danger zone.

And just when you think it’s all over, it’s not. The final chapter of this rollercoaster season will be written when Arrows and SuperSport replay their abandoned February clash, a fittingly chaotic end to a season full of twists, turns and tension.

The spotlight isn't solely on league standings or continental qualifications. A significant subplot unfolds with several players entering the final month of their contracts, making every remaining fixture a potential audition for their futures.

At Chiefs, a notable group of players faces uncertain prospects. Right-back Reeve Frosler, midfielder Yusuf Maart, who has shown flashes of brilliance but struggled for consistency, and Edmilson Dove, whose season has been disrupted by injuries, are all looking to secure their futures. George Matlou, also sidelined by injury, will be hoping to make a late impact. Ranga Chivaviro and Mduduzi Shabalala are in the same boat, while Njabulo Blom, currently out on loan, will be eager to impress with a buy option attached to his deal.

Across the league, several other players also find themselves in contract limbo. Donay Jansen, on loan at SuperSport United from Kaizer Chiefs and Lebohang Maboe, loaned out from Mamelodi Sundowns, both have deals running until June 2025, but their long-term futures will depend heavily on performances and club decisions in the coming weeks.

At Pirates, key squad members Sipho Chaine, Phillip Ndlondlo, Miguel Timm and Makhehlene Makhaula are all nearing the end of their contracts. While some have been central to the Buccaneers’ campaign, others have seen limited action, making the off-season a critical time for both players and management.

Meanwhile, league champions Mamelodi Sundowns have a few names heading towards contract expiry as well, but they locked in one of their most influential figures in April, club captain Themba Zwane, whose new deal keeps him at Chloorkop until at least the end of the 2025/26 season.

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