As the 2024/25 Betway Premiership campaign edges towards its final stretch, a fierce and unpredictable battle for survival is taking shape — and few would have foreseen the clubs now caught in the crossfire.
Royal AM’s Expulsion Changes the Stakes
With Royal AM expelled from the league earlier this season, automatic relegation has been taken off the table. However, one unfortunate team will still be forced to fight for their top-flight status in the dreaded promotion/relegation play-offs against two sides from the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
SuperSport United: A Giant in Trouble
At present, SuperSport United find themselves rooted to the bottom of the table, occupying the perilous 15th spot. The three-time league champions are in real danger, joined in the relegation scrap by Cape Town City, who sit just a point above them — though they’ve played two more matches.
Cape Town City’s Alarming Freefall
Despite the extra games in hand, Cape Town City’s form is cause for concern. Winless in their last 11 league fixtures, the Citizens’ slump led to the dismissal of coach Muhsin Ertugral. They are desperate to turn things around and will look to draw confidence from their last victory — a 2–1 win over their upcoming opponents, Richards Bay, back in January.
Richards Bay vs Cape Town City: The Ultimate Six-Pointer
Friday’s clash between City and Richards Bay promises to be a pivotal six-pointer. Both teams are tied on 23 points, though Richards Bay edge it on goal difference and have a game in hand. Adding more drama, the two clubs share strikingly similar run-ins — facing the same four teams in their final fixtures, meaning head-to-head results could be crucial.
A Grueling Run-In for the Citizens
After Friday’s showdown, City’s path doesn’t get any easier. They host the reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns on May 4, before traveling to Polokwane City — who remain in the hunt for a top-three finish and continental football. Their final game is against high-flying Stellenbosch FC, current semi-finalists in the CAF Confederation Cup, and also contenders for that coveted third spot.
SuperSport’s Uphill Battle for Survival
SuperSport’s road to safety is just as daunting. In addition to facing the same four opponents as City, they also have to take on title-chasing Orlando Pirates. One looming wildcard is the pending outcome of their abandoned match against Golden Arrows — halted due to floodlight failure. With the game level at 1–1 and no generator provided, SuperSport could face disciplinary action which may further hurt their survival hopes.
Magesi FC Defying Expectations
Surprisingly, newly-promoted Magesi FC — tipped by many as relegation favourites — are showing remarkable resilience. With 26 points, they sit above both City and SuperSport, and boast a two-point cushion over Richards Bay. While they still have to face heavyweights Pirates and Sundowns, they’ll feel confident about upcoming matches against TS Galaxy, Sekhukhune United, and Marumo Gallants — all at their Seshego Stadium stronghold, where they remain unbeaten.
Golden Arrows: A Safety Net of Fixtures
Golden Arrows, sitting on 25 points, aren’t entirely safe either. But with a whopping eight games still to play, they have the fixtures in hand to secure the necessary points and steer clear of the dreaded 15th position.
An Unmissable Final Chapter Awaits: Betway Premiership
With high stakes, tight margins, and every match carrying massive implications, the race for Betway Premiership survival promises to be one of the most exhilarating in recent memory. Buckle up — a dramatic finale awaits.
Related article: Battle for Survival: 4 Betway Premiership Teams Fighting to Avoid Relegation
