While the possibility of Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates meeting in the CAF Champions League final would mark a historic high for South African football, it threatens to plunge the Premier Soccer League (PSL) into an even deeper scheduling crisis.
A Season Already in Disarray
Already grappling with a disjointed and chaotic season, the league’s administrators now face the daunting task of ensuring the domestic campaign concludes on schedule. Traditionally, the final rounds of the season are played simultaneously to maintain competitive fairness—especially in the race for the title or to avoid relegation. However, 2025’s campaign has been anything but traditional.
Royal AM Controversy Adds to the Chaos
The controversy surrounding Royal AM, who were suspended mid-season and ultimately expelled due to financial troubles with FIFA and SARS, has skewed the fixture list. Some teams have played 25 matches, while others, like Pirates, have played only 20. This imbalance has made it incredibly difficult to maintain a uniform schedule.
Weather and Lighting Disruptions Worsen the Situation
Contributing to the chaos are weather disruptions and inadequate stadium lighting, which forced match cancellations and postponements—affecting teams like Orlando Pirates and Golden Arrows disproportionately.
Unfair Fixture Flexibility Between Clubs
Complicating matters further, Pirates’ progress in continental competitions has seen the PSL defer some of their domestic fixtures. In contrast, Sundowns, despite also juggling CAF duties, were not granted the same flexibility, raising questions of consistency and fairness. As a result, Sundowns have built a commanding lead at the top of the table—but largely because they’ve played more matches. If Pirates were to win all their games in hand, they’d be just three points off the pace.
An Imbalanced League Table
Following the annulment of Royal AM’s matches, all clubs will now complete just 28 league fixtures. Sundowns are already on 22, nine points ahead of Pirates, who have played only 20. This sets the stage for a dramatic but logistically strained finish.
Sundowns’ Fixture Crunch
Sundowns’ next confirmed games include fixtures against Richards Bay (30 April), Cape Town City (4 May), and Magesi (17 May). However, their remaining three matches are clouded in uncertainty—especially the Chippa United clash on 24 May, which conflicts with the first leg of the CAF Champions League final. Should Sundowns advance past Al Ahly, that fixture will need to be rescheduled.
Pirates Face an Even Tougher Path
Similarly, Pirates are due to face AmaZulu on 24 May—a date that could also coincide with a Champions League final should they beat Pyramids FC. Adding to their dilemma, they still need to squeeze in three previously postponed league matches against Golden Arrows, Magesi, and SuperSport United.
Confirmed dates for Pirates include matches against Sekhukhune United (30 April), the Soweto Derby with Kaizer Chiefs (3 May), Arrows (6 May), and TS Galaxy (17 May). Yet, fitting the rest of their fixtures into a tight calendar will be a logistical nightmare—especially as they’re also contesting the Nedbank Cup final against Chiefs.
The PSL’s Scheduling Dilemma
If the PSL insists on wrapping up the season by May 24—and holding the final round of matches simultaneously—midweek slots like May 13–14 and 20–21 will have to be utilized. But these dates fall uncomfortably close to continental fixtures, posing travel and recovery challenges, especially if only one of the teams progresses to the CAF final and has to make a trip to North Africa.
A Fixture Crisis of the League’s Own Making
The league finds itself in a tough spot, largely due to the delays in rescheduling postponed fixtures and the uneven treatment of clubs engaged in CAF competition. While the prospect of two South African sides in a CAF Champions League final is thrilling, it also shines a harsh light on the PSL’s fixture management.
Glory and Chaos on the Horizon
In cheering on Sundowns and Pirates this week, the PSL must also brace for the scheduling storm their potential success could unleash.
Related article: Mzansi’s CAF Moment: How Pirates, Sundowns & Stellies Are Dominating CAF
