The battle for the crucial second-place finish in the DStv Premiership intensifies this weekend, with Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC locked in a tight race for the final CAF Champions League qualification spot next season.

Before diving into the weekend’s fixtures, it’s worth considering Mamelodi Sundowns’ potential role in Pirates’ quest. The already-crowned champions, Sundowns, face a tricky Stellenbosch side at Athlone Stadium on Saturday, marking Stellenbosch’s penultimate game of the season.

Pirates, who missed a golden opportunity to leapfrog Stellenbosch last weekend with a surprising loss to Richards Bay, travel to Mbombela Stadium for their clash against TS Galaxy. As always, all matches this season are played simultaneously to ensure fairness for teams chasing similar goals.

Stellenbosch’s shocking defeat to Moroka Swallows last week, their first since September’s loss to Sundowns, halted their momentum in the race for second. Pirates, playing later, failed to capitalize on Stellenbosch’s slip-up. With just one point separating the two teams in second and third place, any misstep this weekend could prove costly.

Despite the setback, Stellenbosch deserves immense credit for their remarkable season. They secured their first-ever trophy, the Carling Knockout, earlier this season.

Pirates can potentially benefit from Sundowns’ pursuit of a new points record this season. The dominant Sundowns are currently unbeaten in 27 league matches and are on track to finish the season undefeated. They currently sit on 69 points, and coach Rulani Mokwena aims to break Pitso Mosimane’s 2015/16 Sundowns record of 71 points. Last season, they came close to achieving this feat but fell short by a single point.

Some Sundowns technical staff, despite the already secured title, are determined to set this record with this specific group. This means Pirates can rely on Sundowns to potentially hand them a favor, provided they win against Galaxy themselves. Historically, Sundowns have never lost a league match to Stellenbosch away, even when Stellenbosch was known as Vasco da Gama.

TS Galaxy, another team exceeding expectations this season, will certainly be looking to spoil Pirates’ plans. Galaxy lost the Carling Knockout final to Stellenbosch and are on track to achieve their best finish since club owner Tim Sukazi took over. Currently in fifth place with 40 points (having played one game less just like Sundowns), they have proven capable of upsets. Unlike Stellenbosch, Galaxy has beaten Pirates at home before and will be looking to repeat that feat on Saturday.

Saturday’s fixtures:

Cape Town City vs Richards Bay, Cape Town Stadium

Royal AM vs Chippa United, Harry Gwala Stadium

Sekhukhune United vs AmaZulu, Peter Mokaba Stadium

TS Galaxy vs Orlando Pirates, Mbombela Stadium

Lamontville Golden Arrows vs Cape Town Spurs, Mpumalanga Stadium

Stellenbosch FC vs Mamelodi Sundowns, Athlone Stadium

Kaizer Chiefs vs Polokwane City, FNB Stadium

SuperSport United vs Moroka Swallows, Lucas Moripe Stadium