The SA Premiership opening weekend continues on Sunday the 2nd of August with two intriguing fixtures on the schedule. Richards Bay welcome Polokwane City in what promises to be a closely contested matchup, while Siwelele host TS Galaxy in the late kick off.
Premiership Outright Betting – click here to bet
- Mamelodi Sundowns 2.10
- Orlando Pirates 2.40
- Kaizer Chiefs 4.25
SUNDAY:
Richards Bay vs Polokwane City – click here to bet
Richards Bay start the new season after finishing 11th in the Premiership last campaign with 34 points from 30 matches. They recorded 7 victories, 13 draws and 10 defeats, while finishing with a -7 goal difference.
Their biggest strength last season was their home form with 5 of their 7 wins coming there and only 2 defeats. Although goals were often hard to come by, Richards Bay consistently frustrated opponents with a disciplined defensive setup despite lacking flair upfront.
Polokwane City enjoyed a solid campaign in 2025/26 ending in the top half of the table in 7th with 40 points. During this run they won 9 matches, drew 13 and lost 8 while beating the keeper 21 times and shipping 21 at the back.
The visitors were one of the more organised teams in the league last season and their defensive structure was particularly impressive. Their tendency to keep matches tight made them difficult opponents, especially against sides outside the top six but they will need renewed attacking energy if they are to improve their league position this season.
Head-to-Head:
The recent meetings between these sides have been extremely evenly matched. Richards Bay have won 2 of the last 6 encounters, Polokwane City have won 1 and the remaining 3 matches ended level. Both league meetings last season finished in draws, with a 1-1 result in Polokwane followed by a goalless draw at Richards Bay.
Odds: Richards Bay 2.90 | Draw 2.80 | Polokwane City 3.15
Verdict:
This fixture has developed into one of the tighter matchups in the league and recent meetings suggest another close contest is likely. Both teams rely heavily on defensive organisation and neither side scored freely last season, but Richards Bay look the more settled squad with stronger signings and I am backing them to pick up 3 points at home.
Bet: Richards Bay win at 2.90
Siwelele FC vs TS Galaxy – click here to bet
Siwelele FC finished 10th on the log last season, winning eight of their 30 matches. Their home form was impressive, as they suffered just two defeats in front of their own fans, recording seven wins and six draws.
Matches at their home ground were generally low-scoring, with only 21 goals across their 15 home fixtures. The squad has been heavily revamped ahead of the new campaign, and time will tell whether they will challenge for a top-eight finish or find themselves battling to avoid relegation.
TS Galaxy finished 12th on the log last season after recording eight wins, eight draws and 14 defeats from their 30 matches. They struggled away from home, winning just twice on the road and failing to win any of their final five away fixtures.
Their 15 away matches produced only 32 goals in total, suggesting that another tight contest could be on the cards.
Head-to-Head:
The sides met twice last season, with Siwelele winning their home fixture with TS Galaxy having claimed a 2-0 victory in the reverse encounter.
Odds: Siwelele FC 2.30 | Draw 3.15 | TS Galaxy 3.65
Verdict:
Both sides have very different-looking squads compared with last season, which makes this a tricky opening fixture to call. I am expecting the defences to dominate and will take a speculative play on the match finishing goalless.
Bet: Correct Score – 0-0 at 6.50
Note: All prices are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change.
