The Betway Premiership gets going on Saturday, 1 August, but Mamelodi Sundowns will not be part of the opening weekend. The Premier Soccer League has approved the club's request to postpone their home fixture against Marumo Gallants, with the delay understood to be connected to disrupted pre-season preparations following the death of midfielder Jayden Adams. No replacement date has been announced.

Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs Lead Opening Weekend

That leaves two headline fixtures to set the tone for the new campaign. Defending champions Orlando Pirates host newly promoted Milford FC at Orlando Stadium, with the Buccaneers expected to make a statement as they begin balancing title defence with CAF Champions League commitments. Sundowns topping CAF's five-year club ranking heading into this season only sharpens the pressure on Pirates to hold their ground domestically.

Across Johannesburg, Kaizer Chiefs travel to face Kruger United in Fernando Da Cruz's first competitive league match as coach. Amakhosi arrive with some early momentum after lifting the Toyota Cup with a 1-0 win over Zimbabwean champions Scottland FC, though Da Cruz himself has been candid that his squad is not yet ready to challenge for the Betway Premiership title. Chiefs fans will also be tracking the Thabo Cele situation — the midfielder has been told he is not in Da Cruz's plans for the season ahead.

Marumo Gallants, meanwhile, head into the campaign having relocated from the Free State to North West and Gauteng. With the MTN8 arriving just one week after this opening round, every result already carries weight. The PSL season is here — and it starts without Sundowns watching on.