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Dingizwe Gwala

Will Mamelodi Sundowns retain the PSL title or Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates & Kaizer Chiefs will emerge? Sekhukhune United have a big say and may spring a surprise

The Brazilians' Premier Soccer League title is under serious threat as Babina Noko lead the race for glory while Bucs and Amakhosi are on the hunt. Downs’ grip on the league title is starting to feel less certain as Sekhukhune have taken the spotlight, leading the pack from the very beginning of the season.

While Eric Tinkler might play coy when asked about ambitions, there’s no doubt he and his squad know exactly what’s at stake - Babina Noko are quietly but confidently chasing the crown.

Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates are slowly finding their rhythm after a sluggish start under new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. However, the Buccaneers are once again in a familiar position: playing catch-up. History has shown this approach often leads to heartbreak for the Soweto giants, making their uphill battle even steeper this time around.

At Kaizer Chiefs, stability has been shaken by the bombshell news of Nasreddine Nabi’s exit - which club legend Itumeleng Khune has opened up about. Rumours swirl that the Tunisian coach may not leave alone, with his entire technical team potentially departing alongside him. If that happens, Amakhosi will have to regroup and rethink their entire strategy - a daunting prospect for a club with lofty ambitions.

As the PSL season continues to unfold, GOAL takes an in-depth look at the title contenders, analysing who’s rising, who’s struggling, and who might ultimately claim the crown.

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  • Kaizer Chiefs, September 2025Backpage

    Kaizer Chiefs' ups and downs

    Chiefs wrapped up the previous season on a thrilling high, clinching the Nedbank Cup and reminding everyone of their pedigree while ending a long trophy drought. Carrying that momentum into the new campaign, Amakhosi have delivered some impressive performances in the league, showing glimpses of the formidable force they can be. 

    A standout for the Chiefs has been goalkeeper Brandon Petersen, whose commanding presence at the back has been pivotal, as he notched an impressive five consecutive clean sheets, solidifying the team’s defensive backbone. 

    However, recent turbulence has unsettled the club; the looming departure of coach Nasreddine Nabi, with official confirmation still pending, has cast a shadow over their campaign, leading to a slight wobble in form. Despite dropping five points in their last two matches, Chiefs remain very much in the hunt. While some might suggest these setbacks signal the start of a decline, the truth is they continue to show resilience and quality - poised to remain a serious threat in the title race.

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  • Mamelodi Sundowns players celebrate Tashreeq Matthews' goalBackpagepix

    A challenge for defending champions

    As defending champions, Sundowns have experienced a somewhat mixed start to the season, already tasting defeat once - a rare occurrence for the powerhouse side. Their title challenge has seen some hiccups, including dropped points in a hard-fought draw against their fierce rivals Chiefs. Still, Sundowns hold a slight advantage in the fixture list, having played one more game than Sekhukhune, which could prove crucial as the season unfolds. Yet, the squad has had to navigate some significant challenges, such as the departure of talisman Lucas Ribeiro and the recent return of Khuliso Mudau, which has disrupted defensive stability. To add to their woes, the injury to playmaker Themba Zwane has left a creative void in midfield, hampering the team’s fluidity and making their quest to retain the title a tougher proposition.

  • Bradley Grobler, Sekhukhune United, Glody Lilepo, Thabo Cele, Kaizer Chiefs, September 2025Backpage

    Eric Tinkler's ambitious Porcupines

    Who would have predicted that, at this stage of the season, Babina Noko would be perched comfortably at the summit of the league table? Under the astute guidance of Eric Tinkler, the team has enjoyed an impressive unbeaten run, showcasing remarkable consistency and resilience. 

    Their secret weapon lies in the depth of experience spread throughout the squad, reminiscent of the formidable Bidvest Wits side led by Gavin Hunt during their title-winning campaign. Leading the charge is veteran striker Bradley Grobler, whose goal-scoring exploits have ignited Sekhukhune’s ambitions. 

    Although he missed a crucial penalty against Chippa United, Grobler’s knack for finding the back of the net remains a vital asset as Sekhukhune continue their bold push for the championship.

  • Orlando Pirates, September 2025Backpage

    Orlando Pirates on the backfoot

    The Buccaneers’ season has gotten off to a rocky start, with disappointing losses to Sekhukhune and Marumo Gallants in their opening fixtures shaking the confidence of their fanbase. Coach Ouaddou’s initial decision to overhaul the squad entirely backfired, but he quickly regrouped and settled on a consistent lineup that began to gel. 

    Unfortunately, those early missteps have cost Pirates dearly, leaving them trailing the pack by eight points and facing an uphill battle to catch up. The silver lining, however, lies in the two games in hand they hold over Sekhukhune - a chance to claw back crucial points. Still, as every football fan knows, games in hand are far from guaranteed wins, and the Buccaneers must dig deep and fight relentlessly to revive their title hopes.

  • Seluleko Mahlambi, TS GalaxyBackpage

    TS Galaxy - a long shot, but possible

    While TS Galaxy might not be considered genuine title contenders, their promising start to the season suggests they’re determined to avoid the relegation scrap. Despite losing key striker Dzenan Zajmovic and a few other players, Galaxy have shown remarkable resilience, currently sitting in an impressive fourth place on the log. 

    Their steady performances hint at a team with potential and ambition - a side capable of causing upsets and steering clear of the danger zone. It’s still early days, but dismissing Galaxy would be a mistake; they’re quietly making their presence felt and could yet surprise many as the season progresses.

  • Kaizer Chiefs fans, September 2025Backpage

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