Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou believes the Betway Premiership is finally rediscovering its edge, with renewed competition at the top breathing life back into South African football.
For the first time in several seasons, the title race is shaping up to be a genuine three-horse battle involving the country’s traditional heavyweights.
Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs are all firmly in the mix, setting the stage for a thrilling run-in that has captured the attention of supporters across the country.
Pirates currently hold a narrow advantage at the summit, but Sundowns and Chiefs remain within striking distance, ensuring there is little room for error.
Adding further intrigue is the presence of AmaZulu, a club with a proud PSL history, who are also not far behind the leading pack.
Their involvement has only heightened the sense that this season could break away from the predictability of recent campaigns.
In the past decade, Sundowns’ dominance has been overwhelming. The Brazilians have claimed an unprecedented eight consecutive league titles, a run that, while impressive, has arguably dulled the competitive spark of the league.
Ouaddou has openly suggested that such prolonged supremacy may have contributed to declining excitement, with some fans beginning to lose interest as outcomes felt increasingly inevitable.
Read: Ndah eyes Betway Premiership lifeline after Orlando Pirates exit
“I think it’s good for South African football to have the big three in the race for the title,” Ouaddou told the media.
“It brings value to South African football. You cannot have a team dominating for decades, winning the league with 20 points. It is not not (entertaining) you even lose interest in football. So, I think it’s good that now we have maybe three teams fighting for the title.”
This season feels different. According to Ouaddou, the balance of power is shifting, and the uncertainty surrounding the eventual champion has reignited passion among supporters.
Big matches now carry real consequence, and every dropped point could prove decisive in a tightly contested race.
For Pirates, the stakes are even higher. The Buccaneers are chasing a historic quadruple, having already lifted the MTN8 and the Carling Knockout this season. They remain alive in both the league title race and the Nedbank Cup, a remarkable achievement that underlines their consistency and ambition under Ouaddou’s guidance.
As the season enters its decisive phase, the renewed competitiveness has restored belief that the Premiership can once again deliver drama, intensity and unpredictability. If the current trend continues, South African football fans may be in for one of the most memorable title races in years.