The 2024/25 Betway Premiership season delivered a blend of brilliance, heartbreak and controversy. Mamelodi Sundowns extended their dynasty with an eighth successive league title, leaving Orlando Pirates, Stellenbosch FC and Sekhukhune United to reflect on what might have been.
Here, Mihlali Baleka and Herman Gibbs unpack the highs and lows of each club’s campaign, spotlighting the moments that mattered — and what’s next.
𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 🏆@SekhukhuneFc’s Keletso Makgalwa is the April #BetwayPrem Player of the Month pic.twitter.com/QoIgsRjLQ4
— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) May 14, 2025
Fourth | SEKHUKHUNE UNITED
Sekhukhune improve but miss a bigger prize
Sekhukhune secured a second consecutive fourth-place finish in the Premiership, achieving their highest points tally in the top flight (46).
A strong start under coach Lehlohonolo Seema raised expectations, but he was controversially sacked mid-season and replaced by Eric Tinkler. Tinkler built well on Seema’s foundation, but fell short of a Top 3 finish. However, his quick rapport with the players and the team’s attractive football offer hope for the future.
The good and the bad: Sekhukhune gave players like Keletso Makgalwa a fresh start. However, the club’s handling of right-back Shaun Mogaila — who played while facing serious criminal charges — drew widespread criticism. The sacking of Seema was poorly managed and cost the team vital momentum.
Star player: Keletso Makgalwa | Young Turk (best U23 player): Vuyo Letlapa | Sign him now: Keletso Makgalwa
What’s to come: If Tinkler is backed in the transfer market and retains key players, Sekhukhune could aim for a Top 3 finish next season.
Ever-present, ever-reliable 🤩
Devin Titus featured in all 51 of our matches during the 2024-25 season ✨ pic.twitter.com/BDlv7qIwb8
— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) June 8, 2025
Third | STELLENBOSCH FC
Stellenbosch keep the African dream alive
Stellies securing their return to the CAF Confederation Cup. This season marked their first appearance in the competition, where they impressively reached the semi-finals.
They equalled their best-ever Premiership finish and navigated a packed schedule, playing in seven countries — including the DRC, Mali, Angola, Morocco, Egypt and Tanzania. A 3-0 win and 0-0 draw extended their unbeaten Cape Derby run against Cape Town City to nine matches, dating back to December 2020.
The good and the bad: Stellenbosch began the season with six consecutive wins in all competitions — a club first and won 13 matches in the Premiership. Their worst result was a 5-0 thrashing by Renaissance Berkane in January.
Star player: Fawaaz Basadien | Young Turk: Ibraheem Jabaar | Sign him now: Masindi Nemtajela
What’s to come: They have the financial backing to become a real powerhouse in SA football and will want tokeep fighting in Africa.
Second | ORLANDO PIRATES
So close, yet so far for the Sea Robbers
After dominating domestic cup competitions for the last two seasons, Pirates were finally expected to knock Sundowns off their perch in the Premiership. They endured a nervy end to the campaign, their inexperience in the title race ultimately exposed as they fell short of the crown.
They also had a near-miss on the continent, losing to eventual champions Pyramids in the CAF Champions League semi-finals after a near-perfect group-stage campaign.
The side ended the season with only one trophy — the MTN8 — while coach Jose Riveiro requested an early release to join Al Ahly.
The good and the bad: Riveiro’s integration of youngsters into the senior squad was a clear highlight. However, near-misses in both the Premiership and Champions League dashed the club’s aspirations, rendering the season a failure.
Star player: Relebohile Mofokeng | Young Turk: Mbekezeli Mbokazi | Sign him now: Mohau Nkota
What’s to come: With Pirates yet to announce a new coach, the club’s direction remains uncertain.
First | MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
Relentless Sundowns seal record eighth title in a row
Sundowns claimed a record-extending eighth straight Premiership title — their 18th overall — after completing a shortened 28-game schedule.
Despite playing two fewer matches, they amassed 73 points, equalling their best-ever tally from a 30-game season in 2024/25. They also recorded the best-ever goal difference (41), breaking their own previous record by two goals.
The good and the bad: A highlight was the 2-0 win over Magesi FC on the final day — their 24th victory, a new PSL season record. However, Magesi also handed them their biggest disappointment, beating Sundowns 2-1 in the Carling KO final — a shock defeat by one of the league’s weakest teams.
Star player: Lucas Ribeiro | Young Turk: Siyabonga Mabena | Sign him now: Fawaaz Basadien
What’s to come: They’ll keep on rolling on SA’s best but the CAF Champions League remains their biggest objective. But first the Fifa Club world Cup awaits later this month.
