TIPSTER'S TABLE | Chiefs, Pirates chase continental glory as local battles heat up

It’s a busy weekend for South African football, both at home and across the continent, as several clubs return to action in crucial Betway Premiership, CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup fixtures.

With the domestic campaign beginning to take shape and continental ambitions intensifying, teams will be looking to make their mark.

St Eloi Lupopo vs Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates head into their CAF Confederation Cup clash as one of South Africa’s most in-form sides, and expectations are high for them to carry that momentum onto the continental stage when they visit St Eloi Lupopo at the Frédéric Kibassa Maliba Stadium on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 3pm).

The hosts are expected to find the going tough, having yet to begin their domestic season. In contrast, the Buccaneers have already lifted silverware this term, clinching the MTN8 crown. Pirates will arrive in Lubumbashi brimming with confidence, boosted by key players such as Sipho Mbule, Thalente Mbatha, Oswin Appollis, and Evidence Makgopa — all fresh from helping Bafana Bafana edge closer to 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification earlier this week.

Betting odds: St Eloi Lupopo 3.80 | Draw 2.90 | Orlando Pirates 1.95

Prediction: St Eloi Lupopo 0–1 Orlando Pirates

Simba vs Kaizer Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs’ season has already been clouded by off-field turbulence. Following the departure of head coach Nasreddine Nabi, interim bosses Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef have stepped in to steady the ship until the end of the season.

While the pair are no strangers to the role, their previous mixed results have raised questions about their ability to deliver consistency. They’ll be eager to silence their critics when Amakhosi face Tanzanian giants Simba at Stade TP Mazembe on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).

Simba, meanwhile, will aim to compound Chiefs’ woes by keeping things tight at home and avoiding the concession of a potentially costly away goal before the second leg in Dobsonville next weekend.

Betting odds: Simba 2.10 | Draw 2.85 | Kaizer Chiefs 3.60

Prediction: Simba 2–1 Kaizer Chiefs

15 de Agosto de Akonibe vs Stellenbosch FC

After knocking Kaizer Chiefs out of the Carling Knockout before the FIFA break, Stellenbosch FC will be brimming with belief that they’ve turned the corner following a slow start to the campaign. Now, they’ll look to translate that domestic momentum onto the continental stage when they face 15 de Agosto at Estadio Manuel Enguru on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 4pm).

Having reached last season’s CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals, the Maroons are determined to go one better this time around. However, 15 de Agosto — who cruised through the first preliminary round with a 5–0 aggregate win — will fancy their chances of holding firm at home and frustrating the visitors.

Betting odds: 15 de Agosto 3.00 | Draw 2.60 | Stellenbosch FC 2.40

Prediction: 15 de Agosto 0–0 Stellenbosch FC

Richards Bay FC vs Orbit College FC

Richards Bay will look to build on their recent upturn in form when they host Orbit College on Friday. Currently sitting 10th on the log, the KZN outfit are favourites to claim all three points against a struggling Orbit College side, who languish in 13th place.

The hosts come into the encounter buoyed by improved performances, having won half of their last six matches. That modest run has instilled confidence within the camp as they aim for greater consistency in a league that offers no easy fixtures. Richards Bay will be expected to deliver at home in a clash they should dominate.

Betting odds: Richards Bay FC 2.20 | Draw 2.75 | Orbit College FC 4.70

Prediction: Richards Bay FC 2–1 Orbit College FC

AmaZulu FC vs Durban City FC

AmaZulu will host Durban City in a KZN derby on Saturday, seeking to build on their improved display against Kaizer Chiefs. However, Durban City’s balanced form and attacking confidence make them slight favourites heading into this one.

AmaZulu sit 9th on the table with 12 points from eight games, having recorded three wins, three draws, and two defeats. Their most recent outing saw them hold Chiefs to a 1–1 draw in Soweto — a result that steadied their form after a mixed spell that included a 3–1 defeat to TS Galaxy and a 2–1 home victory over Stellenbosch.

Durban City, meanwhile, have made a strong start to life in the top flight, occupying 4th place with 15 points from nine matches. They’ve proven hard to beat — winning four, drawing three, and losing just twice.

Betting odds: AmaZulu FC 2.44 | Draw 2.95 | Durban City FC 3.10

Prediction: AmaZulu FC 1–2 Durban City FC