The SA Premiership season gets underway on Saturday the 1st of August and we take a look at three exciting opening round fixtures on the schedule. Orlando Pirates begin their title defence against newcomers Milford, Sekhukhune host Durban City in a familiar matchup and Kaizer Chiefs travel to face newly promoted Kruger United. We take a closer look at all three encounters from a betting angle below.
Premiership Outright Betting – click here to bet
Mamelodi Sundowns 2.10
Orlando Pirates 2.40
Kaizer Chiefs 4.25
34.00 and better the balance
Orlando Pirates vs Milford – click here to bet
Orlando Pirates begin the new campaign after finishing 1st in the Premiership last season after collecting 69 points from 30 matches. They won 21 matches, drew 6 and lost only 3, while scoring 58 goals and conceding just 12.
They looked superb throughout the season, converting opportunities into results and although they drew 2 and won 3 of their last 5 games, they held their nerve to lift the trophy.
Milford enter the Premiership for the first time after earning promotion through the play-offs and they will be eager to make a positive start. They impressed in the lower division with a disciplined defensive structure and strong organisation but this will be a significant step up in quality against the reigning champions.
The side ended their run 3rd overall level on points with Cape Town City but performed well during the promotion qualifier matches to give themselves a shot at top flight and a chance to prove they can compete amongst the best.
Head-to-Head:
There are no previous meetings between Orlando Pirates and Milford.
Odds: Orlando Pirates 1.26 | Draw 6.00 | Milford 13.00
Verdict:
Pirates should have far too much quality for a newly promoted Milford side in the opening round. The champions boast the stronger squad, superior depth as well as home advantage and I am expecting them to start the season with a comfortable victory here.
Bet: Orlando Pirates to Win and Over 2.5 Goals at 1.95
Sekhukhune vs Durban City – click here to bet
Sekhukhune begin the new season after finishing 5th last term with 44 points from 30 matches. They recorded 11 wins, 11 draws and 8 defeats while netting 32 goals and letting 27 slip past the keeper.
Their form towards the end of last season was mixed. Sekhukhune were competitive in most matches and were difficult to beat but frequent draws prevented them from mounting a stronger push for the top four.
Durban City ended their 2025/26 campaign in 8th overall with 39 points having won 10 matches, drawn 9 and lost 11. During that period the side was able to score 25 goals although they conceded 26 at the other end.
Despite the side struggling to remain in the winning column for long periods of the league season, they were competitive and will bring confidence into this season after making a solid return to the big leagues during the 2025/26 campaign.
Head-to-Head:
Sekhukhune have dominated this fixture, remaining unbeaten in the last six meetings with 3 wins and 3 draws. The reverse fixture last season ended in a 1-1 draw, while Sekhukhune won 2-0 at home earlier in the campaign.
Odds: Sekhukhune 1.95 | Draw 3.25 | Durban City 4.75
Verdict:
Sekhukhune have historically enjoyed this matchup and generally hold the upper hand against Durban City. With their home crowd behind them and a stronger defensive structure, they look well placed to begin the season with three points in what should be a tight affair.
Bet: Sekhukhune to Win at 1.95
Kruger United vs Kaizer Chiefs – click here to bet
Kruger United make their Premiership debut after earning promotion and will be hoping to announce themselves against one of the country’s biggest clubs. They showed resilience and organisation during their promotion campaign but facing Kaizer Chiefs in the opening round represents a major test.
They topped the log comfortably in the Motsepe Foundation Championship last season after finishing on 64 points due to winning 18, drawing 8 and losing only 4 of their 30 fixtures.
Kaizer Chiefs start the new campaign after finishing 3rd last season with 54 points from 30 matches. They recorded 15 wins, 9 draws and 6 defeats, scoring 33 goals and letting 19 shots breach their defensive line.
The team finished last season strongly and looked increasingly settled during the closing stages of the campaign. Their defensive record was among the best in the league and they consistently picked up results against teams outside the top four.
Head-to-Head:
There are no previous meetings between Kruger United and Kaizer Chiefs.
Odds: Kruger United 5.50 | Draw 3.50 | Kaizer Chiefs 1.78
Verdict:
Chiefs should have enough quality on paper to overcome the challenge of a newly promoted Kruger United side. While the hosts may be competitive on home soil, Chiefs looked comfortable near the peak of the table last season and will likely find success in this clash.
Bet: Kaizer Chiefs win at 1.78
Note: All prices are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change.
