Betway Premiership 2025/26: Opening Weekend Highlights and Standings

The 2025/26 Betway Premiership: A Dramatic Start to South Africa’s Football Season

The 2025/26 Betway Premiership season kicked off with a bang this past weekend, giving South African football fans plenty to talk about. With all 16 teams in action, the opening round delivered drama, surprises, and unforgettable moments that set the tone for what’s promising to be an exciting season.

Surprising Upsets and A Newcomer’s Triumph

The spotlight was firmly on the newcomers this weekend, with two of the three debutants making a strong impression. Siwelele FC showed their mettle by beating Golden Arrows 3-1 in a well-fought match. Their confident performance proved they’re here to make an impact. Meanwhile, Gavin Hunt’s Durban City made their mark too, securing a 2-0 win over TS Galaxy. But not all the new arrivals were as fortunate. Orbit College faced a tough challenge against AmaZulu and fell 1-0, a tough start for the newcomers.

Defending Champs Held to a Draw

In a surprising turn of events, defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns, usually dominant in the league, were held to a 1-1 draw by Chippa United. This was a result that raised eyebrows, as many had expected the Sundowns to hit the ground running. Despite the draw, Sundowns still look set to be title contenders, but they’ll need to sharpen up their game in the upcoming weeks.

Pirates Stumble at Home

Another unexpected result came at Orlando Stadium, where Orlando Pirates suffered a 1-0 loss to Sekhukhune United. It was a tough blow for the Buccaneers, especially given the high expectations surrounding them this season. The home loss sparked a conversation on social media, with fans expressing frustration and calling for a stronger response in their upcoming matches.

Kaizer Chiefs Start Strong

Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs had a perfect start to their campaign, cruising to a 2-0 victory over Stellenbosch FC. Their solid performance was just what they needed to kick off their season and silence some critics who questioned their ability to challenge for the title this year. It’s early days, but Chiefs fans will be hoping this result sets the tone for what’s to come.

Week 1 Results Breakdown

• Saturday, 9 August:

  • AmaZulu 1-0 Orbit College

  • Chippa United 1-1 Mamelodi Sundowns

  • Polokwane City 0-0 Magesi FC

  • Richards Bay 1-2 Marumo Gallants

  • Orlando Pirates 0-1 Sekhukhune United

  • Siwelele FC 3-1 Golden Arrows

• Sunday, 10 August:

  • TS Galaxy 0-2 Durban City

  • Stellenbosch FC 0-2 Kaizer Chiefs

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Premiership?

After an explosive opening weekend, the season is off to a thrilling start. With the next round of matches scheduled for Tuesday, 12 August, the pressure is on for teams to get their momentum going. The big question is: will Mamelodi Sundowns bounce back? Can Orlando Pirates recover from their shocking home loss?

Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – this season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory.

Source:The South African 

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