The Carling Knockout final is still scheduled for Saturday, where Orlando Pirates will face off against Marumo Gallants, and Kaizer Chiefs are set to play away at TS Galaxy in the league on Sunday. After that, the 2025 season concludes.

No team will want to enter the break on a negative note, so these games represent an opportunity to end the year positively.

Siwelele vs Mamelodi Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns will look to reclaim the top spot in the Betway Premiership when they travel to Bloemfontein to face Siwelele on Wednesday, needing a victory to surpass the new leaders Orlando Pirates.

Sundowns have accumulated 25 points from 12 matches so far, trailing Pirates by three points, with both teams having a +13 goal difference, meaning any win will return The Brazilians to first place. Sundowns have been somewhat inconsistent on the road lately, with three wins in their last nine away fixtures, although they have only lost once, to Lamontville Golden Arrows in September.

Interestingly, that was their most recent away league game. Their previous away league victory was back in August. Siwelele have been reliable at home, securing three wins and two draws from seven matches, with their two defeats coming against Polokwane City and Pirates.

Chippa United vs Kaizer Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs travel to face struggling Chippa United on Wednesday, aiming to reduce the gap to leaders Pirates to just three points, a remarkable turnaround for a team that has faced difficulties in recent seasons.

Chiefs hold a solid 22 points from 11 games, while bottom-placed Chippa have only eight from 14 and will reach the halfway point of their campaign after this match.

Chippa’s performance has been poor, with scoring a significant problem; they have failed to score in over six hours of play and have only one win in their last 22 games (D8 L13), clear signs of relegation form.

Magesi vs Sekhukhune United

Sekhukhune United started the season strongly but have encountered a familiar slump under coach Eric Tinkler, who often finds it hard to stop a decline once it begins.

They earned 19 points from the first 21 available but have managed only three from the next 15 and remain winless during that period. Their main issue is a lack of goals, and Tinkler might need an alternative strategy as opponents seem to have figured them out.

Wednesday’s hosts, second-bottom Magesi, are without a win in four matches (D2 L2) but have won their last two home games against Siwelele and TS Galaxy.

Stellenbosch vs Polokwane City

Stellenbosch FC come off a well-earned point from their CAF Confederation Cup away match at Singida Black Stars on Sunday, although they conceded a late penalty that denied them the win.

This result extends their unbeaten streak to three games (W2 D1) after a tough start to the season that has left them third from bottom. They are clearly better than their current standing suggests.

On Wednesday, they host Polokwane City, who have had a solid season and sit seventh with 20 points from 13 matches. Polokwane struggle away but did manage a surprise 1-0 victory at AmaZulu nearly a month ago. They have never won away at Stellenbosch, with one draw and three losses.

Lamontville Golden Arrows vs AmaZulu

AmaZulu face another KwaZulu-Natal derby when they travel a short distance to Durban rivals Lamontville Golden Arrows on Tuesday, coming off a 2-0 defeat at Richards Bay last weekend.

Golden Arrows are without a win in three matches (D1 L2) following a strong run and have only one victory in their last six encounters with Usuthu (D1 L4). In fact, five wins in their last 17 home games against AmaZulu (D3 L8) paint a bleak picture.