If you’ve been following the premier soccer league south africa for more than a minute, you know the script. Mamelodi Sundowns wins. Everyone else fights for second. That’s been the loop for nearly a decade. But honestly, as we hit the midpoint of January 2026, the vibe in South African football has shifted.
The standings don’t look like they used to. As of today, January 15, 2026, Orlando Pirates are sitting at the top of the pile with 28 points. Sundowns are breathing down their necks with 26, sure, but the dominance isn't a given anymore. It’s messy. It’s loud. And for the first time in ages, the "Big Three" aren't just a marketing slogan—they’re actually in a dogfight.
The Betway Era and the R900-Million Shake-up
The league isn't just the PSL anymore. It’s the Betway Premiership. When the R900-million sponsorship deal was inked back in 2024, people were skeptical. They’d seen sponsors like Absa and DStv come and go. But the cash injection has done something weird to the mid-table teams.
Look at Sekhukhune United. They’re currently third. That doesn’t happen by accident. Money for infrastructure and better scouting means the "smaller" clubs are no longer just fodder for the Chloorkop machine.
Even the transfer market has gone global in a way we haven't seen. Just this week, Chicago Fire in the MLS snapped up Puso Dithejane from TS Galaxy. A few years ago, a 21-year-old from the PSL heading to the States for a U-22 initiative slot would have been national news for a month. Now? It’s just Tuesday. The league is becoming a genuine conveyor belt for talent again.
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Why the Sundowns Monopoly is Cracking
Manqoba Mngqithi has a hard job. Following the Rulani Mokwena era was always going to be a poisoned chalice. Sundowns have won eight titles in a row—a streak starting way back in 2017. But the 2025/26 campaign has been... well, human.
They’ve dropped points in games they used to sleepwalk through. A 1-1 draw against Siwelele FC in December was a massive wake-up call. They’re still the most valuable squad, with guys like Iqraam Rayners (valued at around €3 million) leading the charge, but the invincibility is gone.
The Soweto Giants are Finally Awake
Orlando Pirates are the real story right now. Jose Riveiro has found a rhythm that actually works. They haven't just been winning; they’ve been grinding. A 10-match unbeaten run earlier this season set the tone.
Then you have Kaizer Chiefs. Nasreddine Nabi hasn't had it easy. The fans at Naturena are the most demanding in the world, basically. They’re sitting fourth with 24 points, but the defensive issues are glaring. There’s been a lot of talk about the Given Msimango and Aiden McCarthy partnership. Some experts, like Dan Malesela, have been vocal that it’s not vocal enough. Chiefs need a leader in that backline, or they’ll keep conceding soft goals like they did in the 1-3 loss to Sekhukhune.
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The Relegation Scrap Nobody Wants to Talk About
While the top of the premier soccer league south africa is glamorous, the bottom is a graveyard. Chippa United is struggling hard. Only 9 points from 15 games. That’s relegation territory, plain and simple.
Magesi FC and Stellenbosch aren't faring much better. It’s heartbreaking to see Stellies down there in 14th after how good they’ve been in recent seasons. It just shows how thin the margins are. One bad transfer window or a couple of injuries to key players, and suddenly you’re looking at the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
Realities of the 2026 Season
You’ve got to appreciate the randomness of this season.
- Junior Dion is currently leading the scoring charts with 7 goals.
- Orlando Pirates have already secured two new signings for the second half: Daniel Msendami and Mpho Chabatsane from Marumo Gallants.
- The Soweto Derby is looming on February 28, 2026, at FNB Stadium. That match will probably decide if Chiefs can actually stay in the title race or if they’re just playing for pride again.
The league is faster now. It’s more physical. If you watch a game from 2021 and compare it to a match today, the intensity is night and day. Part of that is the coaching. We have a mix of local legends like Gavin Hunt at SuperSport and international tacticians bringing different philosophies.
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What You Should Watch Next
If you want to understand where the premier soccer league south africa is headed, don't just watch the big games. Watch the mid-week fixtures.
- Follow the Nedbank Cup: The PSL just confirmed the clubs for the 2026 edition. This is where the giant-killings happen. It’s the best way to see the up-and-coming talent from the lower divisions before they get bought by the big clubs.
- Keep an eye on the January transfer window: With Pirates already making moves, expect Sundowns to react. They don't like being second.
- Check the CAF coefficient: South African clubs are performing better in Africa again. This means more spots in the Champions League, which means more money and better players coming to the PSL.
The days of the PSL being a "one-horse race" are ending. It’s becoming a league where anyone can beat anyone, and honestly, that’s exactly what South African football needed. The talent is there, the money is finally flowing correctly, and the fans are coming back to the stadiums. It’s a good time to be a supporter.
To stay ahead of the curve, keep a close watch on the defensive reorganizations at Kaizer Chiefs this month and track whether Orlando Pirates can maintain their two-point lead through the heavy February fixture list. The next three weeks will likely determine if the trophy stays in Pretoria or moves back to Soweto.