While Babina Noko and other in-form sides are thriving, clubs such as newly promoted Orbit College and last season's Carling Knockout champions Magesi FC continue to struggle at the foot of the table.

As round seven kicks off, here are five fixtures set to grab the headlines this weekend:

Sekhukhune United v Golden Arrows

Sekhukhune United have been the story of the season so far. Under coach Eric Tinkler, Babina Noko have produced an almost flawless start—five wins and one draw in six games—which sees them top the table with 16 points. Their midweek 3-1 dismantling of Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium was another statement of intent, powered by Bradley Grobler's brace.

Saturday's clash at Peter Mokaba Stadium presents another opportunity for Sekhukhune to underline their title credentials. They face a Golden Arrows side that has struggled for rhythm this season, registering just two victories in their opening six fixtures. Sitting 10th with seven points, Arrows will need a marked improvement to stop Sekhukhune's momentum.

Magesi FC v Siwelele FC

Magesi FC's fairy-tale Carling Knockout triumph last season feels like a distant memory. The club remains winless in the league, with only three points to show for their efforts, leaving them second from bottom in 15th place. Confidence is visibly lacking, and the Limpopo side urgently needs a spark to turn their season around when they face Siwelele at Seshego Stadium on Saturday.

Their opponents, Siwelele, haven't fared much better. After starting brightly with a 3-1 win over Arrows, the Free State side has lost consistency and sits just a point above Magesi in 12th. This fixture has all the makings of a relegation battle, even at this early stage, with both teams desperate for momentum.

Stellenbosch FC v Richards Bay FC

Stellenbosch FC are still licking their wounds after a disappointing week. First came the heartbreak of losing the MTN8 final to Orlando Pirates, followed by a 2-1 league defeat to AmaZulu. The back-to-back setbacks have left them stuck in 13th with just four points from six matches, a poor return for a side that had shown promise in cup competition.

On Saturday, they welcome Richards Bay FC to Danie Craven Stadium in what feels like a must-win encounter. The Natal Rich Boys sit just two places higher in 11th with five points. They managed a 1-1 draw against TS Galaxy in midweek but remain unconvincing. Both sides will see this as an opportunity to reset their league campaigns.

Orbit College v Marumo Gallants

Life in the Premiership continues to be unforgiving for newcomers Orbit College. The Rustenburg-based side has endured five defeats in six matches and their 2-1 home loss to Chippa United midweek dropped them to the bottom of the log with three points. Their early struggles have already raised concerns about whether they can avoid relegation ahead of their game with Marumo Gallants at Olympia Park Stadium on Saturday.

Gallants, meanwhile, arrive with renewed belief after holding champions Mamelodi Sundowns to a 1-1 draw. Bahlabane Ba Ntwa sit in ninth place with eight points and will view this fixture as an opportunity to push into the top half of the table. For Orbit, anything less than a positive result risks deepening their survival worries.

Polokwane City v Chippa United

New Chippa United coach Luc Eymael has wasted no time making an impact. After losing his debut match, the Belgian tactician secured a morale-boosting 2-1 win over Orbit College, lifting the Chilli Boys off the bottom into 14th place with four points. Eymael will now look to build on that result when his side travels to Limpopo.

Polokwane City, however, are in strong form. Rise and Shine are unbeaten in their last four matches, collecting two wins and two draws. Their steady climb has taken them to eighth with nine points, and their confidence will be high going into Sunday's clash at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium. With Eymael keen to prove his worth, this fixture has the makings of a tightly contested battle.

Returning players a game changer for Polokwane City, says Phuti Mohafe