Only two points separate the two sides, meaning a possible six points from their remaining fixtures could prove decisive—particularly for Magesi, who are desperate to avoid automatic relegation to the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

Both teams will have an opportunity to improve their standing this weekend. Magesi travel to the Free State to face Siwelele FC, while Gallants take on Polokwane City in Limpopo.

Below is a look at five key fixtures that could shape the relegation battle and the race for a top-eight finish.

Chippa United FC v Golden Arrows

Chippa United remain in danger, with just four points separating them from bottom spot. The Eastern Cape outfit must secure maximum points when they host Golden Arrows at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Chippa have collected only 25 points from 28 matches, leaving them 13th on the table. A turbulent season marked by coaching changes has once again dragged them into a familiar relegation scrap.

Defeat could be costly, especially against an Arrows side pushing to solidify their place in the top eight. Arrows currently sit eighth with 37 points and will be equally motivated to claim all three points.

Polokwane City v Marumo Gallants

Gallants’ fate remains in their own hands. A positive result against Polokwane City at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium could help them avoid automatic relegation and secure a place in the promotion/relegation playoffs.

They occupy 15th place with 23 points—just two ahead of Magesi. However, an eight-match winless streak raises serious concerns about their ability to deliver under pressure.

They face a confident Polokwane City side enjoying an impressive campaign. “Rise and Shine” sit sixth with 39 points and will look to maintain their strong push for a top-eight finish.

Richards Bay FC v Sekhukhune United

Richards Bay FC are safe from relegation but still have an outside chance of breaking into the top eight. To do so, they must win their remaining matches and hope results elsewhere go their way.

Currently 11th with 33 points, they trail eighth-placed Arrows by four points. They come into this clash after a 1-1 draw with Gallants.

Their opponents, Sekhukhune United, have been consistent throughout the season. Sitting fifth with 42 points, they remain firmly in contention for a strong finish despite a recent 2-0 defeat to Kaizer Chiefs.

Siwelele FC v Magesi FC

For Magesi, this could be their last realistic opportunity to keep survival hopes alive. A win against Siwelele at Dr Molemela Stadium is essential.

They sit bottom of the table with 21 points from 28 matches and are widely tipped for relegation following a poor run of form. Their last victory came in April—a 5-2 win over Durban City—and they have struggled to build momentum since.

Siwelele, meanwhile, are ninth with 33 points and remain in contention for a place in next season’s MTN8. They will also be eager to bounce back from a heavy 7-4 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns and finish the season strongly.

Stellenbosch FC v Orbit College FC

Orbit College FC have given themselves a fighting chance of survival, going unbeaten in their last three matches and collecting five crucial points.

Once considered strong relegation candidates, the newcomers have climbed to 14th place with 24 points. However, they face a tough challenge away to Stellenbosch FC.

Stellenbosch are also chasing a top-eight finish. Level on 33 points, they will see their final two matches as an opportunity to break into the upper half of the table.

Dylan Kerr explains Marumo Gallants return