Stellenbosch head coach Steve Barker has warned his players against complacency as they prepare to lock horns with Marumo Gallants at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in the Carling Knockout quarterfinals on Wednesday, October 29.

Kick-off is at 7pm CAT (SA, GMT+2).

Current form:

The Maroons have built up a head of steam this month after making a stuttering start to the season, which saw them win just one of their opening nine games in the Betway Premiership.

Barker's side ended a six-match winless run in all competitions with a 1-0 victory over Kaizer Chiefs in the CKO round of 16, and they beat 15 de Agosto 4-1 on Sunday to advance to the Caf Confederation Cup group stages.

Stellies also came out on top in a seven-goal thriller against Golden Arrows (a 4-3 win) in the league four days earlier, and Barker hopes their scoring woes are over now.

The Cape Winelands outfit found the back of the net just four times in 14 outings since they defeated AmaZulu 3-2 in the MTN quarterfinals, but they've now scored eight goals in their last two games.

Bahlabane Ba Ntwa stunned Mamelodi Sundowns in the previous round after running out surprise 1-0 victors, and they followed it up with a 2-1 success against Chippa United in the league on October 19.

Their shock elimination of the Brazilians arrested a worrying run of seven matches without a win in the top flight for Alexandre Lafitte's side, who had at least drawn four of those.

What was said:

Stellenbosch head coach Steve Barker

"It's just really about perseverance and trusting and continuing to do the things that we always do. The confidence we got from midweek carried into today, and hopefully it can carry on through to Wednesday, and our next two very big, important league matches before the Fifa break.

"Hopefully the floodgates have opened a little bit, but we can't become complacent. We've got to keep working on the final-third box entries and on the quality of the pass, cross, or shot. We did have a barren spell, but hopefully that's now a thing of the past."

Players to watch:

Marumo Gallants - Eroine Agnikoi finally made his debut against the Chilli Boys after joining Gallants on a free transfer last month and he walked away with the man-of-the-match award thanks to his dramatic stoppage-time winner. The Ivorian defender will have his work cut out for him against Stellies, who are brimming with confidence after seeing it rain with goals over the last week.

Stellenbosch - Andre de Jong is hoping to kick on now after scoring three goals in his last two appearances. The New Zealand attacking midfielder had gone 14 games without a goal in all competitions this season before getting off the mark with a brace against Gallants in the league. He has emerged as an important player for Barker's side after contributing eight goals and five assists last term.

Head-to-Head: (Last Five Matches)

Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker has made no effort to hide his disappointment at the sale of key players over the years but is also quick to assert he understands the business of the game and why they must move on.

In their six seasons since winning promotion, Stellenbosch have forged a reputation for producing top home-grown talent as well as nurturing players from elsewhere and the club has made as pot-full of money selling their top recruits.

Jayden Adams to Mamelodi Sundowns, Ashley du Preez to Kaizer Chiefs and Dean van Rooyen were all from the club’s youth academy and came through their DStv Diski Challenge side while the likes of Fawaaz Basadien, Zitha Kwinika, Olwethu Makhanya, Junior Mendieta, Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Sihle Nduli, Iqraam Rayners and Ismael Toure have gone onto to bigger clubs after their time passing through Stellenbosch.

Barker says the club cannot stand in the way of players earning better salaries and opportunities elsewhere although does muse about how much better his side might have been had they not sold as much talent.

“The better you become as a football club, winning cups and reaching finals, the stock of the players is a lot higher, far more valuable.”

“One of our philosophies is that we have to serve the players to reach their full potential. So, you know, everybody serves the club to the best of their ability, it's about every day making sure when you get to work, you're giving your best. That's all we ask of the players every day at training to give their best and every time they play to give the best, so we expect that also the staff members, but I think having a vision and having a clear strategic plan allows everybody within in the organisation to flourish and to grow with the club.

“But again, it's always about the next game. You are only as good as your last game, so you got to just keep at it and keep performing and keep giving your best and I think the rest takes care of itself,” Barker adds.

“If players leave the club will continue to have its values and play the way that we believe will continue to make us successful. So although we do lose players, those coming in just seamlessly fit in.”

Considering all the departures, the Stellenbosch coach says he proud of their achievements as they head to Bloemfontein on Sunday to take on Marumo Gallants in the Carling Knockout quarterfinal.

“Hopefully we can manage on Wednesday to get ourselves into another semifinal, which I think again would be a remarkable achievement, considering how many semifinals we've been getting into in the last couple of years.”

Barker says the hectic schedule of games, which is as a result of doing well in domestic cup competition and also competing in the African Confederation Cup is draining but that is another price of success.

“Players are professionals that get paid for their profession, so I've always said it and I keep saying it, that we must not want to be playing in Africa and then complain about playing in Africa. We can still have a really special season. We've made a cup final already, and now the (Confederation Cup) group stages. We're in a quarterfinal of the Carling Knockout. So the motivation is just, never get hungry of succeeding, never get not hungry for success. We just got to have that desire to keep winning things, to keep competing at the highest level.”

Since winning promotion in 2019, Stellenbosch have won the Carling Knockout two years ago and bene to two MTN8 finals, losing both last year and this season to Orlando Pirates.

Last season, in their debut in continental club competition, they reached the Confederation Cup semifinal.

Lamontville Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi found it difficult to stomach scoring three goals on the road and still ending on the losing side as his team lost a seven-goal thriller at Stellenbosch on Wednesday.

Arrows came back three times at the Athlone Stadium, scoring superb goals, but lost 4-3 and ended a three-match winning streak as they dropped to ninth in the Betway Premiership standings.

“Overall, it was very good football for spectators. I can tell you this is what I would come to watch a football match for. But for us as coaches, it says a lot when you concede four goals and the way we conceded,” Mngqithi said.

“The positive is the fact that we managed to score three very beautiful and very difficult goals to score, but we go home with nothing. That’s hard to take.”

Mngqithi said Arrows had started the match slowly. “Stellenbosch put a lot of pressure in the early stages of the game. We anticipated that they wanted to get an early goal in the first 15 minutes, because they know their legs might not last. And they did that.

“But we regrouped, and we showed what we are capable of. We started our passing game, and we created chances and scored.

“But at the same time, we just kept on conceding goals from elementary mistakes. The last three goals were just our own mistakes.”

But Mngqithi said Arrows must still be considered a work in progress. “I’m still very impressed with how the team is coming up. I think the team is growing every match. We are creating good, good opportunities. We are playing to our strength.

“And we were playing against a good team. We can never take that away from Stellenbosch. We know how good they can be, but we were very hopeful that maybe we might have a slight advantage in terms of the legs,” he added.

“So we have to work very hard and try to get ourselves better, but otherwise, I'm impressed with the progress that the team is making.”

Orlando Pirates stayed in touch with the Betway Premiership frontrunners on Wednesday, while Stellenbosch came out on top in a seven-goal thriller against Golden Arrows.

Orlando Pirates made it six wins in a row as they edged Polokwane City 1-0 at the Orlando Stadium to maintain third place in the standings.

Tshepang Moremi's sixth-minute goal settled the contest in Soweto to ensure that Abdeslam Ouaddou's side closed within three points of league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns with two games in hand.

Tshepang Moremi and Pirates punish Polokwane's defence 🎯💥

📺 Stream #BetwayPrem on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc@McDonalds_SA pic.twitter.com/JzBZSa5zdt

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 22, 2025

Rise And Shine remain in a three-way tie with Durban City (5th) and AmaZulu (7th) after suffering their second defeat in three matches.

Meanwhile, Stellenbosch arrested a worrying five-game winless run with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Golden Arrows at Athlone Stadium.

The Maroons got off to a promising start when Langelihle Phili opened the scoring on 14 minutes, but Luthando Ndlovu hit back for Abafana Bes'thende two minutes before halftime.

Andre de Jong (49', 61') restored Stellies' lead twice in the opening stages of the second half, although they were pegged back each time by Junior Dion (54') and Isaac Cisse (73') before Muzomuhle Khanyi struck the winning goal on 76 minutes.

We emerge victorious from a seven-goal thriller 🔥

Stellenbosch FC 4️⃣–3️⃣ Golden Arrows#HeartoftheCape #MoreThanFootball #StellenboschFC 🍇 pic.twitter.com/v3SfhIshtT

— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) October 22, 2025

Steve Barker's side climbed above Magesi on goal difference up to 13th spot, leaving Arrows (9th) level with TS Galaxy and Marumo Gallants on 13 points.

In the other concurrent match at the FNB Stadium, Kaizer Chiefs fell further behind in the title race after sharing the spoils with Siwelele in a 0-0 draw.

The Glamour Boys extended their winless streak to four outings as they saw the Buccaneers open up a two-point gap to them, with Stellenbosch's win seeing Siwelele drop to 15th place.

The #BetwayPrem's mid-week matches deliver eight goals ⚽#SSDiski pic.twitter.com/BWGRjEHvx9

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 22, 2025

WEDNESDAY'S RESULTS

Kaizer Chiefs 0-0 Siwelele

Orlando Pirates 1-0 Polokwane City

Stellenbosch 4-3 Golden Arrows

Kaizer Chiefs lost more ground on the Betway Premiership frontrunners after being held to a 0-0 draw by struggling Siwelele at the FNB Stadium on Wednesday night.

The Glamour Boys had almost three times as many shots at goal as Lehlohonolo Seema's side, but they didn't work Ricardo Goss nearly enough to earn all three points as arch-rivals Orlando Pirates went two points clear of them in third place.

Amakhosi were seeking their first win in four games, having played out to a 1-1 draw with AmaZulu most recently on 1 October, while Siwelele looked to build on their 1-0 victory over Marumo Gallants three days earlier which lifted them off the foot of the table up to 14th position.

The possession stakes were fairly even in the first half, but Chiefs posed the greater danger, although it was the visitors who created the first two chances as Brandon Petersen made a routine save on three minutes before he reacted well to block a shot from close range in the 17th minute.

Goss was called into action for the first time moments later to keep out a long-range effort from Mduduzi Shabalala and he was relieved to see Mfundo Vilakazi flash a shot narrowly wide of goal on 21 minutes.

The final action of the half saw Reeve Frosler fire inches over the crossbar on 40 minutes and Zita Kwinika also failed to keep his shot down three minutes after the restart.

The hosts continued to push for the opening goal as halftime substitute Makabi Lilepo missed the target with an attempt on 52 minutes before Frosler was guilty of failing to test Goss once more with a wayward strike in the 54th minute.

Frosler was presented with another opportunity on 71 minutes and he did at least manage to test Goss on this occasion, while Petersen had to be at his best soon afterwards when Chibuike Ohizu made contact with Christian Saile's cross and forced him into a diving save.

However, both defences held firm in the closing stages and the two teams had to settle for a share of the spoils in Nasrec.

90 + 5’| #CHI 0 : 0 #SIW

Full time score: Kaizer Chiefs 0 : 0 Siwelele FC #Amakhosi4Life #BetwayPrem #AlwaysHome pic.twitter.com/ireOuN1232

— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) October 22, 2025

Kaizer Chiefs 0

Siwelele 0

Kaizer Chiefs: B. Petersen, R. Frosler, Z. Kwinika, I. Miguel (B. Cross 46'), A. McCarthy, T. Cele, S. Mthethwa (S. Ndlovu 69'), W. Duba (M. Lilepo 46'), M. Vilakazi (G. Sirino 70'), M. Shabalala, E. Ighodaro (K. Mayo 70').

Siwelele: R. Goss, Y. Mfolozi, P. Sanoka, T. Makhele, N. Rapoo (A. Baliti 64'), G. Margeman, R. Mokhuoane (G. Moralo 75'), T. Potsane, V. Pule (S. Magidigidi 58'), G. Lungu (C, Saile 58'), C. Ohizu (K. Ayer 75').

In what was a spectacle of goals at the Athlone Stadium this week, Stellenbosch FC recorded a see-saw 4-3 win over Golden Arrows in their latest Betway Premiership assignment on Wednesday night.

While the game ended 1-1 at halftime, Stellenbosch took the lead on three occasions in the second half to ultimately bag maximum points on home soil.

We emerge victorious from a seven-goal thriller 🔥

Stellenbosch FC 4️⃣–3️⃣ Golden Arrows#HeartoftheCape #MoreThanFootball #StellenboschFC 🍇 pic.twitter.com/v3SfhIshtT

— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) October 22, 2025

Stellenbosch immediately went on the attack during the early exchanges of the match, as seen with shots by Langelihle Phili and Thato Khiba inside the 18-yard-area.

With Golden Arrows holding on, the home side actively searched for an opener in the first 10 minutes.

The Cape Winelands side’s pressure paid off in the 14th minute and took the lead through Phili, who capped off a rapid break into the Arrows area.

After 20 minutes played at the Athlone Stadium, Stellies were in control of the tie.

Siyanda Mthanti let off a shot from outside the area in the 32nd minute which was saved by Sage Stephens, as he attempted to get Arrows on the scoresheet.

Then, following a couple of attacks during the latter stages of the half, Arrows drew level moments before the break courtesy of a driving effort by Siyanda Ndlovu.

After beating a number of Stellenbosch players from the half-way line, Ndlovu capped off the move with a right-footed shot from the centre of the area.

LIVELY SECOND HALF

Stellenbosch retook the lead in the 49th minute with Andre de Jong getting in on the action early at the restart.

The New Zealander showcased his aerial ability by completing a header from the centre of the area.

Not holding back, Arrows equalised just five minutes later through Junior Dion after linking up with Philani Khumalo en-route to goal.

De Jong, who scored early in the second half, once again put Stellenbosch ahead in the 61st minute.

The Western Cape outfit made the most of a set-piece situation and fired home from close range.

Then, after second-half substitute Isaac Cisse struck the upright with a header in the 72nd minute, the Arrows player added his side’s third goal a minute later with a right-footed effort from range.

Just when Arrows felt as though they could build momentum after levelling the game, Stellenbosch re-took the lead yet again, as Muzomuhle Khanyi added his name to the scoresheet in the 76th minute.

The game eventually ended 4-3 in Stellenbosch’s favour despite late attempts by the travelling outfit.

With two assists to his name, Devin Titus is tonight's Man of the Match ⭐️#HeartoftheCape #MoreThanFootball #StellenboschFC 🍇 pic.twitter.com/RuNYm48ivW

— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) October 22, 2025

Stellenbosch FC: (1) 4 (Phili 14’, de Jong 49’, 61’, Khanyi 76')

Golden Arrows: (1) 3 (Ndlovu 43’, Dion 54’, Cisse 73’)

Stellenbosch FC: Stephens, Moloisane, Stanic, Barns, Manafov (Mdaka 82’), Mthiyane, Khiba (Jabaar 68’), De Jong (Butsaka 82’), Phili (Lekoloane 68’), Cupido (Khanyi 68’), Titus

Golden Arrows: Mbanjwa, Zwane (Cisse 57’), Cele, Jiyane, Dlamini, Lukhele, Mantshiyane, Khumalo (Karelse 70’), Ndlovu, Maxwele (Sibiya 79’), Dion (van Rooi 79’)

Tshepang Moremi’s goal saw Orlando Pirates close the gap at the top of the Betway Premiership with a win over Polokwane City at the Orlando Stadium on Wednesday.

The Buccaneers extended their winning streak in the league to six games and are now three points behind league-leaders Mamelodi Sundowns with two games in hand.  They moved to third on the table.

Polokwane City could not keep up with the hosts and were handed their third loss of the season in the league.

The Limpopo-based outfit remain sixth on the standings with 15 points from 10 games.

The hosts got off to a hot start, finding the back of the net in the sixth minute.

Oswin Appolis’s cross was pushed away from goal by goalkeeper Brian Bwire into the path of Tshepang Moremi, who pounced on the loose ball, converting from close range for his second league goal of the season.

Tshepang Moremi and Pirates punish Polokwane's defence 🎯💥

📺 Stream #BetwayPrem on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc@McDonalds_SA pic.twitter.com/JzBZSa5zdt

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 22, 2025

In the 23rd minute, Moremi had a chance to snatch his second of the game as he received a chip in the box from Patrick Maswanganyi.

The winger scuffed his effort as he attempted to hit the ball first-time.

Rise and Shine’s first real opportunity of the half came from a freekick in the 32nd minute, but the header that followed the delivery was off target.

Maswanganyi nearly bagged a goal of his own in the 34th minute as his curler from outside the area sailed narrowly wide of goal.

Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine was called into action in the 36th minute as Bonginkosi Dlamini stole the ball on the edge of the area to put himself through on goal.

However, Dlamini’s touch was too heavy and Chaine rushed forward, getting to the ball first.

The visitors received a freekick from scoring distance in first-half stoppage time and Manuel Kambala nearly beat Chaine along the ground, but the goalkeeper pushed the ball aside for a corner.

In the 48th minute, Appolis’s shot from the edge of the box took a deflection and was easily scooped up by Bwire.

Evidence Makgopa squandered a chance to double Pirates’ lead in the 59th minute, as he made contact with Maswanganyi’s cross but hit the upright from close range.

Substitute Yanela Mbuthuma tried to find the top right corner in the 68th minute but was denied by a diving Bwire.

The Polokwane City goalkeeper was called into action again in the 70th minute, denying Maswanganyi’s close range curler with a super save.

Appolis was denied a goal against his former side in the 74th minute as his effort from in line with the penalty spot was blocked.

In stoppage time, Maswanganyi could not take advantage of superior numbers charging into the Polokwane box as he was dispossessed before he could play through a potential assist.

☠️ 🤴🏾 Man of the Match | Patrick Maswanganyi @orlandopirates 1 - 0 @polokwane_city

🥅 Moremi 6'

⚫⚪🔴⭐#MatchDay#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/W2TcxgSTul

— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) October 22, 2025

Orlando Pirates will shift their attention to the CAF Champions League as they look to overcome a three-goal deficit on Saturday when they welcome Saint-Éloi Lupopo to the Orlando Stadium.

Polokwane City are next in action on 1 November as they host Richards Bay at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Orlando Pirates (1) 1 (Moremi 6’)

Polokwane City 0

Orlando Pirates: S. Chaine, L. Seema, M. Mbokazi, K. Sebelebele (S. Ndlozi 72’), N. Ndaba, S. Nduli, M. Nemtajela, P. Maswanganyi, O. Appolis (N. Sibisi 87’), T. Moremi (K. Dlamini 65’), E. Makgopa (Y. Mbuthuma 65’)

Polokwane City: B. Bwire, T. Matuludi, T. Nkwe, L. Nkaki, M. Mvundela, M. Kambala, R. Daniels (S. Mashini 77’), N. Maphangule (S. Kelepu 82’), B. Dlamini, S. Tshabalala (M. Ramabu 77’), B. Mnguni (P. Marema 46’)

Bottom-placed Chippa United have fired coach Luc Eymael and appointed Vusimusi Vilakazi in his place, the club said on Wednesday.

Vilakazi becomes the club’s fifth coach of the season after they began the campaign with Sinethemba Badela in charge and had Musa Nyatama and Morgan Mamilla then on the bench in a caretaker role before appointing Belgian Eymael.

The journeyman coach won a single one of seven games in charge with four defeats and two draws.

Chippa sit bottom of the Betway Premiership table after losing 2-1 away to Marumo Gallants on Sunday.

“Chippa United FC confirms a mutual separation with Head Coach Luc Eymael. We thank him for his professionalism and wish him all the best in his future endeavours. We are pleased to welcome back Kanu Vilakazi as the new Head Coach. Familiar with our Club’s values and ambitions, he is well-placed to lead us forward in the Betway Premiership League. To our loyal supporters — thank you for your belief and encouragement. We promise to bounce back stronger as the Chilli Boys,” said a statement by their Sporting Director Sinesipho Mali.

🚨 CLUB ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨

Chippa United FC confirms a mutual separation with Head Coach Luc Eymael. We thank him for his professionalism and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

We are pleased to welcome back Kanu Vilakazi as the new Head Coach. Familiar with our… pic.twitter.com/JMTusLdMjW

— Chippa United FC (@ChippaUnitedFC) October 22, 2025

The 43-year-old Vilakazi has had a quick succession of jobs, including a previous spell at Chippa as technical director.

As a coach, he was jointly in charge of Lamontville Golden Arrows with Mabhuti Khenyeza before a spell at Richards Bay.

Last season, he was co-coach at AmaZulu with Arthur Zwane but quit midway through the season.

Kaizer Chiefs are the only other club who have made a managerial change this season with the departure of Nasreddine Nabi.

Kaizer Chiefs say they have a selection headache going into Wednesday’s Betway Premiership clash against Siwelele with three players back from injury and ready to play.

“Lebohang Maboe, Etiosa Ighodaro, and Nkanyiso Shinga are edging closer to full match fitness, offering the coaching staff a welcome selection dilemma,” said a club statement.

Neither of the trio has yet to play for the club, having all been signed in the build-up to the new season.

Ighodaro was snapped up after his contract at Mamelodi Sundowns came to an end. The Nigerian striker had been on loan at Chippa United, SuperSport United, and AmaZulu over the past three seasons.

Maboe was also released by Sundowns after being on loan at SuperSport last season. He travelled with the team to Lubumbashi over the weekend but was not included in the match-day squad.

Shinga, the 25-year-old fullback who previously played in Portugal, had a handful of outings on the club’s pre-season tour of the Netherlands but has yet to appear in an official game for AmaKhosi.

Chiefs take on struggling Siwelele at Soccer City after travelling back from the Democratic Republic of Congo, where on Saturday they held AS Simba to a goalless draw in Lubumbashi in the first leg of their African Confederation Cup tie.

Chiefs said they still have a significant number of players out.

“The medical team is currently managing a growing injury list, with George Matlou, Ethan Chislett, Paseka Mako, Bontle Molefe, Given Msimango, and Rushwin Dortley all sidelined. Msimango and Dortley, in particular, have been out for extended periods. This poses selection challenges for the technical team,” added the statement.

Chiefs go into Wednesday’s league match sitting in fourth place in the standings with 15 points from eight games. They are behind long-standing rivals Orlando Pirates on goal difference only but six points off leaders Sundowns and five off second-placed Sekhukhune United. Sundowns, however, have played 10 games already while Sekhukhune have completed nine league fixtures.

Stellenbosch face another spell as nomads with the closing of the Danie Craven Stadium in the winelands town, meaning they will have to play their home games in Cape Town for the rest of the year.

It is nothing new for the club, whose first season in the top flight in 2019-20 saw them have to play all their home matches in Cape Town because there was no suitable venue in Stellenbosch.

Once the Danie Craven Stadium – home of the Stellenbosch University rugby side – completed renovations, the club was able to move back home and take up residence but has never been able to make the ground a fortress.

Stellenbosch last season had to move matches in the African Confederation Cup around the country because the stadium was not considered suitable for continental competition, while a poor pitch also saw them move games to Cape Town.

Now the Stellenbosch stadium is to be closed for the rest of the year.

“As the stadium is owned and managed by the university, the decision falls outside of Stellenbosch FC’s control, although the club supports the continued development of this iconic venue and looks forward to returning once the upgrades have been completed,” said a club statement.

 Stellenbosch will be using the Athlone Stadium for their next two games, which are against Lamontville Golden Arrows on Wednesday and then the Equatorial Guinea club 15 de Agosto on Sunday in the second leg of their Confederation Cup tie.

The club earlier this year announced plans to build their own stadium in the town, but that is a project that has yet to get underway.

Orlando Pirates will look to close the gap at the top of the table as they host Polokwane City at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday.

Kick-off is at 7:30pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)

CURRENT FORM

Orlando Pirates struggled in their return from the international break and suffered a 3-0 defeat to Saint-Éloi Lupopo at the Stade Frederic Kibassa Maliba in Lubumbashi on Sunday, ending their 11-game unbeaten run.

Their hopes of reaching the CAF Champions League group stage now rests on the return leg of their second preliminary round clash which will be played at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

In the Betway Premiership, the Buccaneers have bounced back after a poor start to the season.

They are third on the log, having collected 15 points from seven games.

After two losses to start their campaign, the Bucs have won all five subsequent league games and will look to keep their momentum rolling.

With three games in hand, they are six points behind Mamelodi Sundowns at the top of the table.

Polokwane City are also on 15 points, but have played two more games than Pirates in the Betway Premiership.

Rise and Shine sit sixth in the Betway Premiership, having collected four wins, two losses and three draws.

In their last outing before the international break, Polokwane City were bounced from the Carling Knockout in the first round at the hands of Durban City, who claimed a 4-1 victory on 3 October.

Their last league outing, however, resulted in a 1-0 upset win over a strong Sekhukhune United side at the end of September.

The two sides have already met this season in the first round of the MTN8, where Pirates emerged as 2-0 victors in the season opener for both teams.

WHAT WAS SAID

After his side’s Carling Knockout win over Siwelele before the international break, Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou said his side would not doubt themselves should they slip up.

“We are in a good dynamic, but at any time you can have a bad moment. Even at that time, you don't have to doubt your competencies and you have to continue. It's our daily work,” said Ouaddou.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Orlando Pirates - Oswin Appolis: Appolis showed his talent on international duty, bagging two assists and a goal in Bafana Bafana’s 3-0 win over Rwanda to claim a spot at the 2026 Fifa World Cup.

The winger netted against his former team in August and will be looking to do so again.

Polokwane City - Thabang Matuludi: Recently on the bench for Bafana Bafana, Matuludi is an integral member of Polokwane City’s defence.

The 26-year-old will be looking to lock down the Pirates attack and show his pedigree on Wednesday.

HEAD-TO-HEAD (league record)

Orlando Pirates wins: 10

Polokwane City wins: 1

Draws: 7

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef has expressed concern that his team could be weakened for the visit of Siwelele to the FNB Stadium on Wednesday.

Kick-off is at 7.30pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)

Current form:

The Glamour Boys were held to a 0-0 draw by AS Simba in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup second-round tie in Lubumbashi on Saturday amid suspected food poisoning in their ranks.

Youssef was unsure if five of his players could even feature against the Congolese outfit and the quintet will continue to be monitored in the lead-up to the Betway Premiership clash in midweek.

Amakhosi will be determined to get back on the winning trail after a 1-1 draw against AmaZulu on 1 October extended their winless run to three games.

Youssef is still searching for his first victory since being handed the reins alongside Cedric Kaze in the wake of Nasreddine Nabi's departure earlier this month.

Chiefs are in a five-way tie with Orlando Pirates (3rd), Durban City (4th), Polokwane City (5th) and AmaZulu (6th) on 15 points.

Siwelele have found the going tough in the top flight after purchasing SuperSport United in the off-season, winning just two of their opening nine matches.

However, their cause hasn't been helped by having to travel from Pretoria to Bloemfontein for their home fixtures which are held at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium.

Lehlohonolo Seema's side are languishing in 14th position, one point clear of the danger zone, although they did manage to climb off the foot of the table after beating Marumo Gallants 1-0 on 28 September.

Next Kaizer Chiefs Match!

🏆#BetwayPrem
⚽️Kaizer Chiefs v Siwelele FC
👕First Team
🗓️Wednesday 22 October 2025
🏟FNB Stadium
🕞19h30
📺SuperSport 202
🎟R60, Open Tickets: https://t.co/NRVgSP3t0D
👨‍👨‍👦Family Zone
📢Please come early!#Amakhosi4Life #AlwaysHome pic.twitter.com/LifAhEyLbD

— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) October 20, 2025

WHAT WAS SAID

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef

"I have to say congratulations to the players. We have five players who may wake up with diarrhea and vomiting tomorrow.

"I don't know what happened with the food yesterday, but we were in a critical situation in the morning. With five of them, we weren't sure that they could play."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Kaizer Chiefs - Mduduzi Shabalala has struggled to build on his impressive showing last season which saw him score four goals in his first nine games.

The 21-year-old attacking midfielder finally broke his duck in 2025-26 with a fine finish against Usuthu when he curled the ball into the top-right corner of the net from an angle on the left and he'll be keen to build on that in the fixtures to come.

Siwelele - Chibuike Ohizu has yet to get off the mark for his new club in seven appearances, but he should have bagged a brace against Gallants.

The 29-year-old striker failed to hit the target with a free header at the back post after just four minutes and he was unable to beat Washington Arubi one-on-one in the 69th minute.

He did trouble the opposition defence with his late runs though, and will be hoping to break his duck against Chiefs.

Three fixtures take centre stage in the Betway Premiership on Wednesday as Orlando Pirates face Polokwane City at Orlando Stadium, Kaizer Chiefs battle Siwelele at FNB Stadium and Stellenbosch clash with Lamontville Golden Arrows at Athlone Stadium. Kick-off for all fixtures is at 7:30pm CAT.

Orlando Pirates v Polokwane City

Orlando Pirates’ return to action after the international break did not go to plan as the Buccaneers fell 3-0 to Saint-Éloi Lupopo at the Stade Frederic Kibassa Maliba in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, on Sunday.

The loss ended Pirates’ 11 game unbeaten run in all competitions.

☠️ FT | @fcsteloilupopo 3 - 0 @orlandopirates

⚫⚪🔴⭐#MatchDay#TotalEnergiesCAFCL #OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/C5ADnkbHRk

— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) October 19, 2025

The Buccaneers sit third in the league with 15 points from seven games, having recorded five wins and two losses, and will be eager to start a new unbeaten streak.

Polokwane City are sixth in the Betway Premiership, also on 15 points, but with more games played.

Rise and Shine have played nine league games this season and have collected four wins, two losses and three draws. They come into Wednesday’s fixture off the back of a 4-1 loss to Durban City in the Carling Knockout on 3 October.

The two sides last met in their season opener on 2 August, with the Buccaneers winning 2-0 to advance to the MTN8 semifinals.

Kaizer Chiefs v Siwelele

Kaizer Chiefs are winless in their last three Betway Premiership outings and will look to get their domestic campaign back up and running on Wednesday.

On their return from the international break, Chiefs played out a goalless draw against AS Simba on Saturday in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo, in their CAF Confederation Cup clash.

AmaKhosi exited from the Carling Knockout in the first round on 5 October, losing to Stellenbosch on penalties following a goalless draw.

Chiefs have won four of their eight league games this season and have drawn three and lost one. They sit fourth on the table with 15 points.

Fixture Update: Venue Change

Old Fixture
⚽️Durban City FC v Kaizer Chiefs
📅Friday 31 October 2025
🏟️Chatsworth Stadium
🕢19h30

New Fixture
⚽️Durban City FC v Kaizer Chiefs
📅Friday 31 October 2025
🏟️Moses Mabhida Stadium
🕢19h30#Amakhosi4Life #AlwaysHome

— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) October 20, 2025

Siwelele are struggling and sit in 14th place in the league, one point above Stellenbosch and the relegation zone.

The newcomers have collected seven points from nine games with six losses, one draw and two wins in the Betway Premiership.

The club was bounced from the Carling Knockout in the first round by Orlando Pirates thanks to a superb late strike from Mbekezeli Mbokazi.

Siwelele claimed a win in their last league outing, beating Marumo Gallants 1-0 at the end of September, snapping a seven-game winless streak in the Betway Premiership. They will look to keep the momentum rolling.

Stellenbosch v Lamontville Golden Arrows

In their return to the CAF Confederation Cup, Stellenbosch played out a goalless draw with 15 de Agosto in Equatorial Guinea on Saturday.

Domestically, the Maroons have struggled in the Betway Premiership. They are in the relegation zone with six points from nine games, tied with last-placed Chippa United.

Stellenbosch have managed only one win in the league but have progressed to the quarterfinals of the Carling Knockout after beating Kaizer Chiefs on penalties.

Golden Arrows are enjoying a good run of form in the Betway Premiership and have won their last two games after losing the previous three.

In their last league game, Abafana Bes'thende downed Orbit College 3-0 after beating Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0.

They have also advanced to the Carling Knockout quarterfinal after a 3-1 win over Sekhukhune United.

Abafana Bes'thende are ninth on the table with thirteen points after managing four wins, one draw and four losses.

Their clash with Stellenbosch will be played at Athlone Stadium due to ongoing renovations at the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch.

Orbit College and Magesi FC eased their struggles in the Betway Premiership by securing victories on matchday 10.

The action started on Friday with Orbit College recording their first-ever away victory in the South African top-flight courtesy of Monnapule Saleng's goal on Saturday.

Mbulelo Wagaba set up Orlando Pirates loanee Saleng, who netted the winning goal from close range to hand Mswenko Boys a 2-1 win over Richards Bay at the Umhlathuze Stadium.

This was after Knox Mutizwa had cancelled out Lethabo Modimoeng's opening goal and Saleng proved to be the hero on the night by grabbing a second-half goal.

#BetwayPrem – RESULT:@mswenkoboyz claim all three points with a win over @RichardsBayFC_ at Umhlathuze Sports Stadium. pic.twitter.com/tVSfUgUMVk

— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) October 17, 2025

At the Seshego Stadium, Magesi FC registered their second league victory of the season when they edged out TS Galaxy.

Seluleko Mahlambi handed Galaxy the lead, but Lehlohogolo Mokone and Thabang Sibanyoni scored to hand Dikwena Tsa Meetse a 2-1 victory.

#BetwayPrem - RESULT@Magesi_FC emerged victorious in a closely contested encounter against @TSGALAXYFC , securing all three points at Seshego Stadium pic.twitter.com/BQQ5TDcN8w

— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) October 18, 2025

Meanwhile, Taariq Fielies scored the winning goal and earned the Man of the Match after helping AmaZulu FC claim a 1-0 win over Durban City in the KZN Derby clash at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

🏆🟢⚪️ Taariq Fielies provided the telling touch and is named #BetwayPrem Man of the Match tonight.#BetwayPrem #HebeUsuthu #UsuthuTogether pic.twitter.com/epSDdllYUY

— AmaZulu FC (@AmaZuluFootball) October 18, 2025

The last game of the weekend was between two struggling teams in the league this season, Marumo Gallants and Chippa United, at the Dr Molemela Stadium.

Goals from Sekela Sithole and Eroine Agnikoi earned Gallants a 2-1 victory, with Bienvenu Eva Nga scoring what proved to be a consolation goal for the Chilli Boys.

#BetwayPrem - RESULT:@_Marumogallants score an added-time goal to take all three points against @ChippaUnitedFC. pic.twitter.com/YlbZrHklNC

— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) October 19, 2025

BETWAY PREMIERSHIP RESULTS

Richards Bay 1-2 Orbit College

AmaZulu FC 1-0 Durban City

Magesi FC 2-1 TS Galaxy

Marumo Gallants 2-1 Chippa United

In what was one of the most exciting fixtures in the Betway Premiership this weekend, Marumo Gallants saw out a gritty 2-1 win over Chippa United at the Seisa Ramabodu Stadium in Bloemfontein on Sunday afternoon.

Bienvenu Eva Nga thought he stole a point for Chippa in the 88th minute given his side’s attempts to cancel out Sekela Sithole’s opener at the hour-mark.

Nevertheless, it was Eroine Agnikoi who had the last laugh with the winning goal in stoppage time.

Chippa United went on the attack from the first whistle with Giovanni Philander having a go at the Gallants keeper after a corner early on.

The Chilli Boys made their intentions known inside the first 10 minutes while Gallants looked to hit their opponents on the break.

Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo created his side’s first scoring chance in the seventh minute by letting fly from outside the 18-yard-area after a swift counter-attacking move.

With Ndlondlo’s attempt yielding no success, Chippa continued to pile on the pressure.

Gallants grew into the game as the 20th minute approached following attempts by Nldondlo and Mpho Chabatsane from range.

The hosts saw most of the ball toward the end of the half and kept Stanley Nwabili on his toes with numerous attempts at goal as they searched for an opener.

While the game ended 0-0 at the break, Philander remained Chippa’s attacker-in-chief at the start of the new half and came close to opening the scoring in the 47th minute through a shot inside the area that went inches over the bar.

However, it was Gallants who drew first blood in the 60th minute as Sithole’s left footed shot from outside the box found the back of the net.

Gallants enjoyed most of the possession count in the second half, however, Chippa did not hold back in their quest for a leveller leading up to the 75th minute mark.

The Chilli Boys’ shocked Gallants with an equaliser two minutes from time as Eva Nga found himself in the right place at the right time to slot home a right-footed shot in the middle of the danger zone to set up an exciting end to the game.

Then, with the final kick of the game, Gallants took the lead in the 94th minute through Agnikoi who rose to head home a corner swung in by Khumbulani Ncube to finish the encounter.

Marumo Gallants are back to winning ways in the #BetwayPrem 🔝#SSDiski pic.twitter.com/cl76SOovtp

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 19, 2025

Marumo Gallants: (0) 2 (Sithole 60’, Ncube 94’)

Chippa United: (0) 1 (Eva Nga 88’)

Marumo Gallants: Arubi, Ncube, Agnikoi, Sikhosana, Chabatsane, S.Sithole (Manaka 78’), Bance, Mphambaniso (Evanonye 55’), Motloung (Otladisa 55’), Nldondlo (Clifford 68’), Mabuza (Mabotja 78’)

Chippa United: Nwabili, Modise, Fasika, Majadibodu, Kammies, Mosele (Konqobe 31’), Philander (Madingwane 68’), Seabi (Matrose 80’), Tshobeni (Mfecane 46’), Dlamini (X.Sithole 68’), Eva Nga

Magesi claimed their third win of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign in style, completing a comeback to earn a 2-1 victory over TS Galaxy at the Seshego Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday.

Dikwena tša Meetse have turned their home ground into a fortress, losing only one of their last 13 games at Seshego Stadium.

TS Galaxy’s momentum in the league has slowed, with the Rockets having now lost two straight games in the Betway Premiership and their last three fixtures away from home. They now sit eighth on the log.

The three-points earned took the hosts out of the relegation zone to 13th on the table.

#BetwayPrem - RESULT@Magesi_FC emerged victorious in a closely contested encounter against @TSGALAXYFC , securing all three points at Seshego Stadium pic.twitter.com/BQQ5TDcN8w

— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) October 18, 2025

Magesi squandered a golden opportunity in the 16th minute to take an early lead.

Thabang Sibanyoni stole the ball off Khulumani Ndamane and sent Abbey Sesane through on goal.

Sesane was one-on-one with goalkeeper Tapé Ira but hesitated at the vital moment, opting for a pass to Kgomotso Mosadi.

With defenders recovering, Mosadi’s shot was blocked, and went behind for a corner.

In the 25th minute, Ndamane had his pocket picked on the edge of the box by Kgothatso Mariba. The ball fell to Mosadi, who took a crack but had his shot saved.

Sphesihle Maduna’s 26th minute freekick found Ndamane open in the box but the defender’s headed effort was collected easily by Elvis Chipezeze.

Puso Dithejane made a great run down the left side in the 27th minute and played Junior Zindoga into the box. Zindoga, however, could not beat his countryman in goal.

Sibanyoni got his head to the ball in front of goal in the 33rd minute but his effort lacked the necessary power to beat Ira.

In the 41st minute, Chipezeze nearly made a costly mistake, slipping while attempting to control a back pass from Tshepo Mashigo.

The goalkeeper was able to recover and clear the ball before Zindoga could get to it.

Dithejane kept causing problems for the hosts and did well to beat defenders in the box, but had his cross deflected away from its intended target in the 60th minute.

The Rockets broke the deadlock from a set piece in the 65th minute. Dithejane found Mahlambi wide open at the back post with his freekick and he headed the ball past Chipezeze for his fifth league goal of the season.

The hosts pulled level in the 71st minute as TS Galaxy could not clear their lines after a corner.

The ball fell to Nkanyiso Zungu who put another cross in, finding Lehlogonolo Hlogi Mokone, who converted at the back post -- also with his head.

Magesi claimed the lead 10 minutes later on the counter. Edmore Chirambadare’s cross cut through the Galaxy defence, finding Sibanyoni for his first goal for Dikwena tša Meetse.

The Rockets had one final opportunity in the last moments of stoppage time, but Mehdi Ouamri cross into Zindoga was kept out by the Magesi defence.

Magesi’s next fixture comes on Tuesday, 28 October where the club will face Orlando Pirates in their Carling Knockout quarterfinal at Orlando Stadium.

TS Galaxy will also turn their attention to the Carling Knockout as the Rockets face Lamontville Golden Arrows at the King Zwelithini Stadium next Sunday.

Magesi (0) 2 (L. Mokone 71', Sibanyoni 81') TS Galaxy (0) 1 (Mahlambi 65')

Magesi: E. Chipezeze, J. Mokone, L. Mokone, M. Matima, T. Mashigo, N. Zungu, L. Mtshali (S. Darpoh 69’), K. Mariba (E. Chirambadare 76’), A. Sesane (W. Makhubu 69’), T. Sibanyoni (T. Makgoga 84’), K. Mosadi

TS Galaxy: T. Ira, K. Letsoenyo (Q. Sibande 88’), V. Zulu, K. Mdamane, O. Motaung (P. Fisher 88’), M. Mbunjana, S. Maduna, M. Mvelase (M. Ouamri 82’), S. Mahlambi (M. Keita 88’), P. Dithejane, J. Zindoga

AmaZulu moved into the Betway Premiership's top eight after they scored a late winner to claim the derby spoils with a 1-0 victory over Durban City at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

Taariq Fielies settled the contest in the 87th minute as Arthur Zwane's side recorded their first win in three games to leapfrog TS Galaxy into seventh place, level with the Citizens on 15 points.

Durban derby winners 👑

Arthur Zwane's Usuthu have their fourth win of the season 🟢#SSDiski | #BetwayPrem pic.twitter.com/JHdH2cEbH3

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 18, 2025

Usuthu were looking to snap a two-match winless run, although they did manage to pick up a point last time out after holding Kaizer Chiefs to a 1-1 draw.

Meanwhile, City recorded their first win in three games when they beat Magesi 3-1 just prior to the international break.

The visitors created the better chances in the first half and had a sniff at goal as early as the eighth minute, but Kyle Jurgens failed to test Darren Johnson from a free-kick which sailed over the crossbar.

It would be Darren Keet who was called into action first though, as he saved Thabiso Kutumela's header from Athini Maqokolo's cross on 20 minutes.

Samkelo Maseko then went close at the other end moments later following a quick counter-attack, forcing Johnson to push his shot onto the frame of the goal from a tight angle.

Hendrick Ekstein was presented with a good opportunity to open the scoring on 27 minutes after finding himself through on goal, but he was unable to beat Keet from an acute angle.

AmaZulu have kept Darren Keet busy in the opening stanza 💪🟢

Should Ekstein finish this? 👇

📺 Stream #BetwayPrem on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/oEQ1cIAcwZ

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 18, 2025

It remained goalless at the break and Gavin Hunt's side made a bright start to the second half, with Koapeng coming close on 52 minutes as he flashed a shot just wide of the target after being played in by Athini Jodwana.

But despite enjoying plenty of possession after the restart, they struggled to really threaten Johnson's goal and even the introduction of Haashim Domingo, Joslin Kamatuka and Jean Lwamba didn't have the desired effect in attack.

The derby looked to be heading for a stalemate when Fielies popped up in the 87th minute to head home Nkosikhona Radebe's cross and clinch a dramatic victory for Usuthu.

Moses Mabhida erupts 🥳🎉

Taariq Fielies wins the Durban derby for AmaZulu 👑🟢

📺 Stream #BetwayPrem on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/9o81nC4f6n

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 18, 2025

AmaZulu (0) 1 (Fielies 87') Durban City 0

AmaZulu: D. Johnson, A. Mzobe (N. Radebe 65'), K. Allan, T. Fielies, R. Hanamub, M. Ngcobo (S. Mthethwa 65'), A. Maqokolo (A. Sithole 83'), s. Hlangabeza, H. Ekstein (B. Thabede 83'), M. Mbanjwa, T. Kutumela (T. Matlhoko 72').

Durban City: D. Keet, F. Gcaba, S. Ncanana, M. Mkhize, T. Mashego, B. Mokwena (H. Domingo 60'), K. Jurgens (J. Lwamba 90'), A. Jodwana, S. Magawana, S. Maseko, L. Koapeng (J. Kamatuka 71').

Orbit College bounced back to winning ways in the Betway Premiership when they secured a 2-1 victory over Richards Bay at the uMhlathuze Stadium on Friday night.

The result elevated Mswenko Boys to the 12th spot in the league standings after registering their third win of the season. Coach Pogiso Makhoye will be looking to mastermind another victory when they host Magesi FC on 1 November.

Orbit College 😤

They bag their third win of the season to move away from the foot of the table 💪#SSDiski | #BetwayPrem pic.twitter.com/loDf3tStAy

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 17, 2025

The Natal Rich Boys, on the other hand, remain 10th in the standings after registering their fifth defeat of the campaign. The KZN side will be hoping to return to winning ways when they lock horns with Durban City in the Carling Knockout on 25 October.

Mswenko Boys got off to a promising start and they took the lead 14 minutes into the match. Lethabo Modimoeng was the man who handed Orbit a 1-0 lead with Thuso Moleleki providing the assist after Richards Bay's defence was exposed.

However, in-form Knox Mutizwa scored his third goal in two matches when the Zimbabwean hitman hit the back of the net in the 39th minute after being set up by Thabisa Ndelu. The score was 1-1 during the halftime break in Richards Bay.

The visitors applied pressure on the Natal Rich Boys' defence after the restart, and Monnapule Saleng restored Orbit's lead when he netted with a tap-in in the 51st minute - making it 2-1, albeit with a suspicion that the Orlando Pirates loanee was offside.

Monnapule Saleng gets his Orbit College goal 💥

But do the defenders have reason to feel aggrieved here 👀👇

📺 Stream #BetwayPrem on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQWD1K pic.twitter.com/2zp79f5866

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) October 17, 2025

Co-coaches Papi Zothwane and Ronnie Gabriel reacted by introducing proven goalscorer Frank Mhango in the 73rd minute. However, Orbit introduced veteran defender Ramahlwe Mphahlele, who was making his debut, in the 85th minute, and they held on to secure a 2-1 win.

RICHARDS BAY (1) 1 (Mutizwa 14')

ORBIT COLLEGE (1) 2 (Modimoeng 14, Saleng 51')

RICHARDS BAY: Otieno, Mabuya, Mntungwa, Zuke, Mcineka, Mthethwa, Zikhali (Mahala 46'), Mthembu (Mhango 73'), Bomelo (Khumalo 61'), Ndelu (Thikazi 79'), Mutizwa

ORBIT COLLEGE: Nkomo, Mkhabela, Madiba, Mogotsi, Nhlapo, Batsi, Thibedi, Modimoeng (Mphahlele 85'), Moleleki, Saleng, Wagaba

Durban City will look to take advantage of the top three's inactivity in the Betway Premiership this weekend, while Magesi and Chippa United attempt to get free from the relegation mire.

Durban City have the chance to move into the CAF places when they take on AmaZulu in a KZN derby at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

The Citizens are in a four-way tie with Orlando Pirates (3rd), Kaizer Chiefs (5th) and Polokwane City (6th) on 15 points after winning four of their opening nine matches, having beaten Magesi 3-1 most recently before the international break.

With the Buccaneers and Mamelodi Sundowns involved in continental action this weekend, Gavin Hunt's side can put pressure on them as well as Sekhukhune United by claiming all three points in Durban.

Usuthu are only three points further adrift in ninth position and they will be aiming to snap a two-game winless run after playing out to a 1-1 draw with Chiefs last time out which followed on from a 3-1 defeat to TS Galaxy.

The addition of former City coach Simo Dladla on the technical bench will be a boon to the team, according to Arthur Zwane.

"Having Coach Simo, not only for this game, is a big time help with the players and more especially dealing with the young ones. Getting the information from the surroundings because he's a KZN boy," Zwane said.

"He knows how players behave with the ball, their strengths and weaknesses. So when it comes to profiling the players, I think that's the advantage we have."

A couple of hours later, TS Galaxy will target a return to winning ways when they face struggling Magesi at the Seshego Stadium.

The Rockets saw a five-match unbeaten run come to an end with a 2-0 reverse to Pirates on September 30 which pushed them down to seventh spot.

Galaxy coach Adnan Beganovic is wary of the challenges the stadium in Limpopo will pose to his players due to the compact nature of the pitch.

"This is a very difficult game for us because Magesi are an awkward opponent, especially there at Seshego Stadium on a very compact and small pitch.

"We have to prepare ourselves for long balls. That pitch doesn't allow us to have space because it's too small and it's so tight, so winning second balls will be crucial."

Dikwena tsa Meetse are languishing in 15th place, level with Stellenbosch (14th) and Chippa United (16th) on six points after winning just one of their first nine league encounters. A 3-1 loss to Durban City on September 27 was their third defeat in four games.

Then on Sunday, Chippa United will be desperate to arrest a three-match winless streak when they travel to Bloemfontein for a clash with Marumo Gallants at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium.

Luc Eymael has yet to get the best out of the Chilli Boys since replacing Sinethemba Badela at the helm last month, picking up just five points from his first five games in charge, although his team did manage to hold Sekhukhune United and Stellies to draws most recently.

Bahlabane Ba Ntwa have suffered a dip in form since winning their opening two matches, with a 1-0 loss to Siwelele on September 28 extending their winless sequence to seven games and leaving them four points clear of the danger zone on 11th position.

Meanwhile, Richards Bay and Orbit College kick things off at the uMhlathuze Stadium on Friday, with both teams looking to bounce back from defeats prior to the international break.

BETWAY PREMIERSHIP MATCHDAY 10 FIXTURES:

Friday, October 17

19h00: Richards Bay v Orbit College

Saturday, October 18

15h30: AmaZulu v Durban City

17h30: Magesi v TS Galaxy

Sunday, October 19

15h30: Marumo Gallants v Chippa United

Kaizer Chiefs on Friday confirmed the departure of Nasreddine Nabi as coach and said his two assistants, Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze, will stay on as co-coaches for the remainder of the 2025/26 season.

This comes despite a poor run of one win in four matches since Nabi left the club.

Chiefs earlier on Friday said that “following constructive engagements, they have mutually agreed to conclude their professional relationship on an amicable basis”.

“The parties recognise the importance of this decision being communicated in respectful and positive terms, reflecting the mutual regard maintained throughout their employment relationship,” a statement from the club added.

Kaizer Chiefs acknowledges and thanks coach Nabi for his contribution during his tenure with the club and extends best wishes for his continued success in future endeavours.

Coach Nabi, in turn, conveys his appreciation to Kaizer Chiefs, its leadership, staff, players, and supporters for their commitment and support during his time at the club,” it added.

On the appointment of Ben Youssef and Kaze, the club added: “Their leadership will ensure continuity and stability as the club prepares for upcoming fixtures domestically and on the continent.

“The club remains committed to its ambitions and thanks Amakhosi supporters for their continued loyalty, patience, and support.”

This season, Ben Youssef started with three wins while Nabi was away tending to his wife, who suffered serious injuries in a fall.

When Nabi came back, Chiefs won one game, drew with champions Mamelodi Sundowns, but after losing 3-1 to Sekhukhune United, he was fired.

Ben Youssef and Kaze have since had four games in charge with a single win. Last weekend, they were dumped out of the Carling Knockout in the first round after losing on post-match penalties to Stellenbosch.