From Durban City’s fairytale return to Arthur Zwane’s revival at AmaZulu, KwaZulu-Natal’s clubs are dominating the Betway Premiership top half. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
The 2025/26 Betway Premiership season is nearing its climax, and with battles raging across the table, KwaZulu-Natal’s quartet could yet deliver their most impressive campaign to date, with heavy representation in the top half of the standings.
While the title race appears to be heading towards a close finish and the relegation picture is gradually becoming clearer, the competition for a Top 8 finish remains open, with several clubs still vying for it.
Remarkably, three KZN teams currently occupy positions in the top half — an impressive feat given the low expectations for the province’s clubs at the start of the season. All three have consistently been among the league’s better performers and look set to maintain their current standings as the season enters its final stretch.
With fewer than 10 games remaining, the title and Top 8 races are reaching their peak intensity. Here’s a closer look at how each KZN team is faring and what lies ahead.
THIRD | P22 W11 D4 L7 GF22 GA19 Pts37
Arthur Zwane’s side have exceeded expectations, occupying third place despite fielding a squad still very much a work in progress. Their performances, while not entirely consistent, have kept them in the mix for continental football for the first time since the 2021/22 season.
However, nothing is guaranteed. With only three points separating them from sixth-placed Sekhukhune United, their upcoming home clash against the same side will be pivotal. A win could not only strengthen their top-half standing but also boost their chances of continental qualification.
FIFTH | P22 W10 D5 L7 GF20 GA15 Pts35
By far the standout team from KwaZulu-Natal, Durban City’s performance is even more impressive considering this is their first season back in the top flight since promotion. The side has adapted as though they have been established in the league for years and could even contend for a top-three finish.
Under their former identity as Maritzburg United, the club enjoyed past success, but given their current squad’s inexperience and the coaching changes endured this season, their progress has been remarkable.
City will next face title challengers Mamelodi Sundowns at home when league action resumes, hoping to extend their solid recent record on home turf.
EIGHTH | P22 W8 D4 L10 GF28 GA26 Pts28
Abafana Bes’thende cling to the final spot in the top half, with their current position reflecting the type of football they have played all season. More clinical finishing could have seen them higher, but with the goals of leading scorer Junior Dion (13) driving them forward, the team will hope to finish strongly.
Manqoba Mngqithi will be looking for Arrows to continue their positive run when they travel to face Orlando Pirates in their next league outing.
12TH | P22 W5 D8 L9 GF16 GA24 Pts23
Survival in the Premiership seems increasingly likely for the Natal Rich Boys, but a push into the top eight looks a steep mountain to climb. Inconsistency has plagued their season, leaving them as the only KZN side potentially missing out on a top-half finish.
With three consecutive league defeats behind them, Richards Bay face pressure to end the season on a strong note. Their next clash against Stellenbosch FC will be crucial—not only for the points on offer but also to build momentum for a late-season surge.
* Obakeng Meletse is Independent Media’s multi-sport writer. For fresh video content, follow our YouTube channel The Clutch