Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasredine Nabi Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasredine Nabi had another set-back after his side lost to Richards Bay.
Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media
As the PSL's Betway Premiership unfolds, the drama intensifies as the season is set for an exhilarating conclusion with surprises and fierce competition for teams in their unpredictable pursuit of glory and survival over the next few weeks.
The Premiership's state of play shows Sundowns is A for away, with Pirates in tow. The Top 8 standings show Kaizer Chiefs are on the edge of the zone, and the relegation pithole has no shortage of candidates.
Leading the pack are Mamelodi Sundowns, who with 58 points after 23 games are comfortably perched at the top of the table, showcasing their determination and prowess as they chase an eighth consecutive title, and 18th in all. Their closest rivals, Orlando Pirates have 43 points with four games (19) in hand and are hoping to remain in contention as the drama unfolds in the final matches.
Both clubs are still competing in the CAF Champions League and will have the enviable task of competing on both fronts without denting their hopes in either competition. Both sides haven't done too well on the subject of squad rotation and on occasion have suffered shock defeats.
Sundowns have produced the odd masterclass performance in the Champions League, while Pirates have yet to produce good form consistently this season. However, their 2-1 win over Sundowns at the FNB Stadium recently will bolster the confidence in their ranks.
Behind the Premiership's top dogs are Stellenbosch FC, Sekhukhune United, and TS Galaxy, who occupy places 3-5 on the standings. They all have their sights on a place in next season's CAF Confed Cup.
Stellenbosch is leading the way with 35 points after 21 games, followed by TS Galaxy with as many points after 23 games. Sekhukhune, with 34 points, has played 22 games. These three teams seem to have this zone covered unless one of the three suffers a dramatic downturn in form.
The year-end top-eight standings will be the primary focus of the teams who will not manage a top-four berth. This season has been a rollercoaster for the once-traditional powerhouse Kaizer Chiefs facing a particularly challenging campaign. The club has gone nine seasons without a trophy and there are slim hopes that the arrival of Tunisian coach Nasreddine Nabi will end that drought.
He has just eight wins to show from after 22 matches. They suffered their ninth defeat of the season when they fell 2-0 to troubled Richards Bay FC last Sunday at the King Zwelithini Stadium.
In light of the recent sacking of high-profile coaches like Gavin Hunt (SuperSport United) and Muhsin Ertugral (Cape Town City) because of poor results, this might be the cue for Chiefs' to go the same route and send Nabi to end the downward spiral.
Polokwane City and AmaZulu are strong top 8 contenders and if results go their way over the next few weeks, Chippa United could join them.
While the fate of Royal AM is unknown, one team will likely be in the relegation/promotion play-offs in a 15-team league. This play-off slot could go to Golden Arrows, Richards Bay (24 points), Magesi (23 points), Cape Town City (23 points), Marumo Gallants (22 points) or SuperSport United (21 points).
The results over the next few weeks will determine their fate 2024/25 Premiership fate.