As the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season enters its final stretch, the battle for the top eight and the coveted third-place spot — which ensures a CAF Confederation Cup berth — is heating up.
With the international break underway, teams are gearing up for a critical period where every match could make or break their season. The push for the Top 8 is fierce, with several clubs in contention for a place in next season’s MTN8. Equally significant is the race for third place, which guarantees a spot in continental competition, adding an extra layer of intensity to the final rounds of the campaign.
In this piece, Smiso Msomi examines four clubs caught in this race — each fighting either for a Top 8 finish or aiming to secure the all-important third-place position in the standings for continental football.
8th – Kaizer Chiefs
P: 22 | W: 8 | D: 5 | L: 9 | PTS: 29
Kaizer Chiefs have been far from their best yet again this season, but they remain in contention for both a Top 8 finish and third place, which would secure them a CAF Confederation Cup berth.
The Glamour Boys have endured a rollercoaster campaign, with inconsistent results and flashes of brilliance mixed with frustrating performances under coach Nasreddine Nabi.
With just six points separating them from Stellenbosch, who currently occupy third place, the pressure is on to secure as many points as possible in their remaining fixtures. A strong finish could see them salvage a somewhat progressive season — having previously finished outside the Top 8 — or even clinch a place in continental football.
Remaining fixtures: Golden Arrows (A); TS Galaxy (H); Chippa United (A); Marumo Gallants (H); Orlando Pirates (H); Sekhukhune United (A); Polokwane City (H)
7th – AmaZulu FC
P: 23 | W: 9 | D: 3 | L: 11 | PTS: 30
AmaZulu have had a turbulent season — perhaps with more ups than downs — but they now find themselves with a strong chance of securing a top-eight spot and an outside chance of a CAF Confederation Cup place.
The KwaZulu-Natal-based side has shown glimpses of quality but has often faltered at crucial moments. This was evident when they went winless in three games before the break. Despite their inconsistency, Usuthu are not entirely out of the race for continental football.
To keep their hopes alive, they will need to find momentum and put together a series of wins to avoid slipping further down the standings.
Remaining fixtures: Chippa United (A); Richards Bay (H); Stellenbosch (A); Golden Arrows (A); Polokwane City (H); Orlando Pirates (H)
6th – Polokwane City
P: 22 | W: 8 | D: 7 | L: 7 | PTS: 31
Rise and Shine’s surprise 2024/25 campaign is beginning to unravel due to their recent dismal form. Their strong start to the season means they still occupy a place in the top eight despite enduring an eight-game winless streak across all competitions.
Despite six recent losses, the Limpopo-based outfit find themselves just four points behind Stellenbosch, although they have played one game more. Head coach Phuthi Mohafe will be hoping to revitalise his side’s spirits and energy when they return from the break.
Remaining fixtures: Richards Bay (H); Orlando Pirates (A); Sekhukhune United (A); SuperSport United (H); AmaZulu (A); Cape Town City (H); Kaizer Chiefs (A)
5th – Sekhukhune United
P: 23 | W: 7 | D: 6 | L: 10 | PTS: 27
Sekhukhune United’s campaign has been one of continued growth. Despite recently appointing Eric Tinkler as head coach, the team finds itself competing for a top-eight spot and the possibility of securing third place for CAF Confederation Cup qualification—a competition they have already participated in twice.
Despite some inconsistencies, Babina Noko have shown they are capable of competing with the league’s top teams, and their current placement seems accurate. With a few key results, they could see themselves returning to continental football.
Remaining fixtures: Cape Town City (A); Polokwane City (H); TS Galaxy (A); Magesi (A); Kaizer Chiefs (H); Golden Arrows (A)