What's left for Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns - and the rest of the PSL to play for as SuperSport United & Cape Town City embroiled in relegation battle

Mamelodi Sundowns, the defending PSL champions, are firmly in the driver's seat to retain their crown. Regardless of the final outcome in the Royal AM saga, Sundowns will stay perched atop the PSL log, with a commanding lead. Their quest for an eighth consecutive title is within arm's reach, and this one carries special significance for coach Cardoso — his first-ever PSL title. While much of the groundwork has been laid by Manqoba Mngqithi, the Brazilian manager is eager to seize the moment and claim the coveted trophy. But the larger ambition lies in the Champions League, a competition where Cardoso came tantalizingly close last season, guiding Esperance to the final. Now, at Sundowns, he's ready to go one step further and clinch Africa’s most prestigious club prize.

Riveiro, the architect behind Orlando Pirates’ recent triumphs, is set to bow out at the end of the season. Already securing the MTN8 title — becoming the first coach in history to guide a team to three consecutive MTN8 victories — Riveiro has cemented his legacy in South African football. A charismatic and tactically astute Spaniard, Riveiro has won five trophies with the Buccaneers, and he isn't done yet. With the league title still in his sights, along with a spot in the Champions League semifinals and a final showdown in the Nedbank Cup against rivals Chiefs, he has the opportunity to leave South African football with an even richer legacy.

Amakhosi, under the guidance of coach Nabi, have endured a slow start to the season, leaving them in eighth place on the PSL log. The journey has been bumpy, with Chiefs facing the grim possibility of being pulled further down the table if they aren't careful. However, their position in the mid-table isn’t a lost cause, as the gap to the top half is well within reach. With half a dozen matches left to play, things could change swiftly, particularly if Royal AM faces expulsion from the league. Chiefs' hopes for silverware rest on their run in the Nedbank Cup, where they aim to end a long trophy drought that has stretched nearly a decade.

Stellenbosch FC, led by Steve Barker, are eyeing the third spot on the PSL log, hoping to overtake Orlando Pirates and secure a place in the CAF Champions League next season. Stellies have also made a splash on the continental stage, advancing to the semifinals of the CAF Confederation Cup. Should they win the tournament, they’ll earn a spot in the Champions League regardless of their league finish. But if they fall short, finishing third in the PSL would still guarantee them a place in next season’s Confederation Cup, alongside Kaizer Chiefs, who could qualify as Nedbank Cup runners-up. TS Galaxy, Polokwane City, and Sekhukhune United are all in hot pursuit, with only a two-point gap separating the chasing pack.

The battle for a top-eight finish remains fiercely contested, with several teams still in the mix. Chiefs, AmaZulu, Polokwane City, Chippa United, Golden Arrows, and Magesi all have a shot at the top half of the table. Among the contenders, Golden Arrows, led by the seasoned Mngqithi, stand out as particularly desperate for a top-eight finish. Mngqithi, whose coaching legacy includes guiding Arrows to an unforgettable 6-0 MTN8 victory over Ajax Cape Town in 2009, would love to add another achievement to his repertoire with his beloved Arrows.

The fate of Royal AM remains uncertain, with the club battling serious issues with the South African Revenue Services. If they are expelled from the league, the 15th-place finisher could be spared relegation, with a potential relegation play-off against the third-place finisher in the National First Division. The NFD race is tight, with Casric Stars, Orbit College, and Kruger United all locked on 40 points, trailing leaders Durban City by just six points. Meanwhile, SuperSport United and Cape Town City are in the relegation danger zone, with Matsatsantsa A Pitori struggling on just 23 points from 23 games and The Citizens hovering on 24 points from 25 matches.

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