PSL returns: Pirates chase another crown, Sundowns eye strong comeback

The wait is finally over for football fans as the 2026/27 Premier Soccer League gets underway this weekend with the Betway Premiership. 

The defending champions, Orlando Pirates, will kick off the season, taking on newly promoted Milford FC in the Betway Premiership at Orlando Amstel Arena (formerly Orlando Stadium).

Masebe Qina, journalist at Soccer Laduma, said an exciting season lies ahead following several big changes made during the off-season.

He explained that the Orlando Pirates have made the best purchases ahead of the season.

“I think they’ve gone all out.  I mean, who would have thought that they would go all the way and find the likes of Sebastian Pederson… We don’t know much about him, but based on the stats and what we have been told, he looks like the real deal.”

RELATED: Orlando Pirates dominate PSL Awards

With a combination of experienced players and exciting young talent, including some junior internationals for South Africa, Qina believes the Pirates are well-prepared for their title defence. 

He does not foresee many changes to the team’s game plan; however, losing a valuable player such as Relebohile Mofokeng will be a significant challenge.

“Replacing that level of creativity is not easy. I mean, that’s a player who’s won Footballer of the Season and many other awards. He was very influential in them winning the league.”

Mamelodi Sundowns will be looking to make a strong comeback after finishing the season in second. 

“Great teams usually respond after disappointment, and that’s a team with a winning mentality. They won the CAF Champions League… So, we must all expect Sundowns to come back very strong.”

RELATED: Mamelodi Sundowns bask in Continental glory ahead of FIFA Club World Cup challenge

The promotion of two new teams to the top-flight has also generated great interest.

Joining Milford is Kruger United, who won direct promotion by winning the Motsepe Foundation Championship, while Milford secured their promotion by winning the Promotion/Relegations playoffs. 

Qina said there will be tough competition for the newcomers, who will face Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns in their respective opening games. 

“It’s going to be a difficult and daunting task for any new team to the PSL to play against the giants like that.”

Never miss a major story. Get breaking news and the latest developments from South Africa and beyond as they happen.