ORLANDO PIRATES, 2025/26 Betway PSL champs’ open their defence campaign against new-comers Milford on Saturday 1 August at Orlando Stadium.
Although one would expect Pirates’ to smoothly make it past through Milford, in football there is nothing like its ‘obvious’ or ‘walk-over’ as pundits would averse.
The newcomers would also like to open their account with a respectable results, although it will be a difficult day at the office especially against Bucs, who had a good break season in Spain recently to test and sharpen their mental attitudes ahead of the new season and possibly, defend the PSL title.
Talks that defending champs will suffer having lost midfield genius Rele Mofokeng, will be proven on Saturday.
Also this put to rest rumour-mill that coach Abdeslam Ouaddou was reported to vacate his position, but that was not the case as he will still don the black and white jersey once again this season.
Kick-off 15:00. Orlando Stadium. Tickets are now available.
Mamelodi Sundowns’ clash with Marumo Gallants has been postponed by PSL to honour the late Jayden Adams, who was laid to rest recently.
Both sides were to clash on Saturday 1 August at Loftus Stadium.
The new fixture date will be confirmed at the later stage.
Meanwhile, Premier Soccer League in partnership with Betway, officially launched the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season, marking the start of a new chapter for South African football as the League celebrates 30 years of professional football excellence.
The launch brought together the Premier Soccer League’s leadership, Betway Executives, coaches from all 16 Betway Premiership clubs and key stakeholders to celebrate three decades of the League’s contribution to the growth of the professional game – while looking ahead to another highly anticipated Betway Premiership season.
Over the past 30 years, the PSL has established itself as one of Africa’s premier football competitions, producing generations of exceptional players, coaches and clubs, while creating memorable moments for millions of supporters across the country.
The 2026/27 edition of the Betway Premiership also marks Betway’s third season as title sponsor of Africa’s largest football league.
Since the partnership, Betway has introduced an innovative fan engagement campaign, led by the popular and successful S’bonise & Win campaign.
The campaign has rewarded hundreds of supporters for proudly wearing their club colours at televised Betway Premiership matches, helping to create vibrant matchday atmospheres and seeing an increased spike in spectator attendance across all Betway Premiership fixtures.
Speaking at the launch, Betway Head of Sponsorship Jason Shield congratulated the PSL on its milestone anniversary and announced an enhanced reward for supporters as part of the celebrations.
“Congratulations to the Premier Soccer League on reaching this remarkable 30-year milestone. Three decades of excellence is a significant achievement for South African football, and Betway is proud to be part of this historic celebration. Football belongs to the fans, so we want to recognize this occasion by increasing the S’bonise & Win prize to R30,000. It’s our way of celebrating the League’s rich history while rewarding the supporters whose passion and loyalty have helped shape it over the past 30 years,” said Shield.
Last season, S’bonise & Win winners received R10,000, while supporters with active Betway accounts doubled their prize to R20,000.
For the 2026/27 season, the format remains unchanged, with winners continuing to receive R10,000. However, in celebration of the PSL’s 30th anniversary, supporters with active Betway accounts will see their prize triple to R30,000.
Fixtures:
Aug 1 Saturday: Orlando Pirates vs. Milford FC. Orlando Stadium. 15: 00
Golden Arrows vs. Chippa United. King Zwelithini Stadium. 15: 00
Stellies vs. AmaZulu. Danie Craven Stadium. 15:00
Sundowns vs. Marumo Gallants. Loftus Stadium. 18: 00 (postponed)
Sekhukhune vs. Durban City. Polokwane Stadium. 18:00
Kruger United vs. Kaizer Chiefs. Mbombela Stadium. 20: 15
Aug 2 Sunday: Richards Bay vs. Polokwane City. uMhlathuzi Stadium. 15: 30
Siwelele vs. TS Galaxy FC. Dr Molemela Stadium. 18: 00
Image supplied (Club coaches, Betway executives and PSL representatives limned at the football season launch on Wednesday.)
