Pirates and Sundowns Set Early Pace as Chiefs Drop Points in Midweek Thriller

The early Betway Premiership title picture is beginning to take shape, with Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns establishing themselves at the top after an entertaining midweek round of fixtures.

Both sides now have 10 points, while Kaizer Chiefs slipped to third on eight points after being held to a draw by Richards Bay.

Defending champions Orlando Pirates maintained their unbeaten start with a convincing 2–0 victory over Sekhukhune United at home on Tuesday.

Sundowns responded the following evening with an even more emphatic result, beating AmaZulu 5–2 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in a seven-goal thriller.

Chiefs, who had entered the midweek programme level at the top, surrendered two points in a dramatic 2–2 draw against Richards Bay at Princes Magogo Stadium.

Amakhosi remain unbeaten, but the result leaves them two points behind the leading duo after three matches.

Pirates and Sundowns Set Early Pace as Chiefs Drop Points in Midweek Thriller (Graphic: SizaNazo365 | Images: Pirates, Sundowns)

Elsewhere in the Betway Premiership

TS Galaxy claimed their first victory of the season with a thrilling 3–2 win over Marumo Gallants, while Durban City also celebrated their first league victory after beating Kruger United 2–0.

Golden Arrows recorded their first win of the campaign with a narrow 1–0 victory over Stellenbosch.

Siwelele and Chippa United played out a 1–1 draw, while Polokwane City and Milford FC could not find a breakthrough in a 0–0 stalemate.

With Pirates and Sundowns already setting the pace and Chiefs remaining within touching distance, the 2026/27 Betway Premiership is showing early signs of a fascinating title battle.