As the Betway Premiership season crosses the halfway mark, three unexpected teams - Polokwane City, TS Galaxy, and Sekhukhune United - have defied expectations and cemented themselves in the top six of the league standings.

Traditionally viewed as underdogs expected to battle relegation or push for a Top 8 finish, these clubs have displayed remarkable improvement and consistency, proving they belong among the league's elite.

Polokwane City's success this season is a continuation of their impressive return to the top flight, following their promotion after the 2019/20 season relegation.

Last season, Rise and Shine finished in eighth place with 39 points, a solid achievement for a newly promoted side. Now, under coach Phuti Mohafe, they have stepped up their game, collecting 30 points from 19 matches, placing them fourth on the log.

While their cup performances have been disappointing - eliminated in the first round of the MTN8, Carling Black Label Knockout, and Nedbank Cup - they have been highly consistent in the league. Their standout moments include becoming the first team to beat Mamelodi Sundowns this season and a crucial victory over Kaizer Chiefs.

Following the Chiefs win, Mohafe made a bold statement about his team's ambitions:

"We don't have to look down on ourselves and say we are still a small team. We have to go and perform against other teams because the points are the same."

"It doesn't matter how you get them - whether from small teams or the so-called big teams, it's still the same points. Cementing a top-three spot proves we belong here."

One of the key players driving their success is Oswin Appolis, whose performances have drawn attention across the league.

TS Galaxy faced uncertainty after Sead Ramovic resigned in November, but new head coach Adnan Beganovic has kept the team on track, making them one of the most exciting teams to watch.

The Rockets currently sit sixth on the log with 25 points from 19 matches. They enjoyed a 13-game unbeaten run before being eliminated from the Nedbank Cup by Durban City last Friday.

A major factor in their success has been Dzenan Zajmovic, a Bosnia and Herzegovina international who joined in September. The forward has already netted 10 goals in all competitions from 19 appearances, proving to be a game-changer for the club.

If TS Galaxy continues their fairy-tale run, they could secure a historic league finish.

Sekhukhune United has also emerged as a strong force, with their acquisitions of experienced players such as Thabang Monare and Sipho Mbule making them a formidable squad in the PSL.

Currently sitting in third place, Babina Noko has played 18 matches, securing eight wins, four draws, and five losses, collecting 31 points.

While their consistency has been a challenge, their ability to grind out results has kept them among the top teams. With continued strong performances and more wins, they could maintain their position in the top five by the end of the season.

Polokwane City, TS Galaxy, and Sekhukhune United have proven that the Betway Premiership is more competitive than ever. The days of "smaller" teams being pushovers are gone—these clubs are now serious contenders in the top half of the table.

Meanwhile, another team that's worthy of a mention is AmaZulu FC, with the club sitting in fifth place on the league standings after registering 26 points in 19 matches.

Their performances this season highlight the growing depth of South African football.