With the Betway Premiership season reaching its final stretch, the battle for promotion is heating up. Clubs in the Motsepe Foundation Championship are pushing hard for a coveted spot in South Africa’s top-flight league, the PSL. While Durban City has maintained a stronghold at the summit, the competition remains fierce, with teams like Kruger United, Orbit College, JDR Stars, and Casric Stars still within reach of promotion.
The fight for the top two spots is crucial, as the league winner secures automatic promotion, while the second-placed team earns a shot at the PSL via the promotion-relegation playoffs. Here’s a look at the top five contenders fighting to secure their place in the PSL next season.
Durban City in Pole Position
Formerly known as Maritzburg United, Durban City has dominated the Motsepe Foundation Championship and sits comfortably at the top with a six-point lead over Kruger United. The KwaZulu-Natal side has been the most consistent team this season and is well-positioned to return to the top flight.
Despite their impressive form, recent dropped points could be a cause for concern for coach Simo Dlala. They have an opportunity to bounce back when they take on Upington City at Chatsworth Stadium on Friday.
Kruger United Gathering Momentum
Kruger United is peaking at the right time and has closed the gap to six points behind the leaders. A crucial fixture against relegation-threatened Cape Town Spurs at Athlone Stadium presents an opportunity to extend their winning streak to five matches and keep their promotion hopes alive.
Orbit College’s Missed Chances
Orbit College’s lack of firepower has been their biggest downfall, with just 24 goals in 22 matches. Five draws in their last six games have hindered their progress, and they remain six points behind the leaders. Their upcoming clash against Highbury FC at Olympia Park Stadium is a must-win if they hope to stay in the race.
JDR Stars Hanging On
JDR Stars sit level on 36 points with Orbit College but have struggled to find consistency in recent weeks, winning just once in their last five matches. Their poor goal difference could prove costly in a tight title race. They will look to striker Prince Nxumalo, who has netted seven times this season, to deliver when they face Milford FC at Soshanguve Giant Stadium.
Casric Stars Looking to Capitalise
Casric Stars have built momentum with back-to-back wins over Milford FC and Pretoria Callies. Sitting seven points off the top, they have a crucial match against bottom-placed Lerumo United at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium. A win could push them closer to the top two, which would secure either automatic promotion or a play-off spot.
Betway Premiership: The Final Stretch
With only a handful of games remaining, the battle for promotion is wide open. Durban City remains the frontrunner, but Kruger United, Orbit College, JDR Stars, and Casric Stars all still have a fighting chance. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining which teams make the leap to the PSL.
Related article: Battle for Survival: 4 Betway Premiership Teams Fighting to Avoid Relegation
