Nine Teams, One Spot: Kaizer Chiefs fight for Betway Premiership Top 8

Amakhosi head into this final match in 9th position on the league table, knowing that only a victory against Rise And Shine will help them avoid losing out on a Top 8 spot for the second consecutive season.

The Soweto Giants are winless in their last nine Betway Premiership fixtures despite winning the 2024/25 Nedbank Cup against Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates.

Despite ending a ten-year trophy drought, rumors have circulated about head coach Nasreddine Nabi's future being in jeopardy should the Naturena-based side fail to qualify for next year's MTN8.

The coach will be boosted by star midfielder Thabo Cele's return to training this week, after having missed out on the 1-1 draw against Sekhukhune United last week.

If Chiefs play to a draw against City, they will have to hope all the teams below them on the table fail to win their remaining matches in order to qualify for the 2025/26 MTN8.

Here is a look at the other Top 8 contenders:

Amazulu -  6th

Usuthu have been resurgent under the leadership of head coach Arthur Zwane following a turbulent start to the season under former Spanish coach Pablo Franco Martín and only need a draw in the final clash against Orlando Pirates at Moses Mabhida.

The Durban-based team has not defeated AmaBhakaniya in their last 18 league matches between them, and a loss on Saturday may open a chance for Kaizer Chiefs, Marumo Gallants and Magesi to overtake them on the standings.

Polokwane City - 7th 

Rise and Shine need to win against Kaizer Chiefs to ensure they get a Top 8 spot, or draw and hope others below them lose or draw.

The Polokwane outfit has had a lacklustre second half of the season after starting the season well and seemingly being in contention for CAF competition qualification before their bad run.

A win for City will confirm Chiefs' elimination for next season's MTN8.

Chippa United - 8th 

The Chilli Boys have already completed their fixtures for the season and will need plenty of favors in order to maintain the last Top 8 spot on the Betway Premiership table.

A single victory from any of the teams below Chippa on the table, will result in the Gqebhera-based club missing out on a Top 8 spot for the season.

Marumo Gallants - 10th

Bahlabane ba Ntwa need to win by a margin of at least six goals against Magesi and hope other fixtures go in their favor in order to finish in a Top 8 spot.

The Bloemfontein-based side are currently unbeaten in their last six Betway Premiership fixtures, winning half of those matches.

Richards Bay - 11th

The very inconsistent Natal Rich Boyz need to win against SuperSport United and hope Chiefs and Polokwane City draw or for a victory for Polokwane.

Bay will also have to hope Gallants, Magesi and Arrows lose all their remaining matches in order to secure their spot in the Top 8.

Magesi - 12th

Dikwena tsa Meetse need to win both remaining matches against Gallants and Pirates to secure a top-eight spot, a loss in either match would rule them out of the running for next year's MTN8.

The team has been in good form under head coach Owen Da Gama, winning three of their last five league matches to help them pull away from the playoffs spot.

Arrows - 13th

Abafana Bes'thende need to win both remaining matches against Sekhukhune United and the second half of their suspended clash against SuperSport United and hope all teams from position 9-11 lose or draw their remaining fixtures.

The Manqoba Mngithi-led team is currently on a poor run in the league, and have lost their last four consecutive Betway Premiership fixtures.

SuperSport United - 14th  

Matsatsantsa are unbeaten in their last four league matches and need to win both remaining matches against Richards Bay and the second half of their suspended clash against Arrows in order to stand a chance of securing a surprise Top 8 spot.  

The Tshwane side, who are linked with a Blomfontein Celtic take-over, will hope Chiefs lose on Saturday, and for Gallants and Magesi to play to a draw in order to qualify for next season's MTN 8.

Failure to win any of their last two matches and victory for 15th placed Cape Town City, will lead to United competing in the PSL Relegation Playoffs.