DStv Premiership Has a Lot Riding on It With Africa and Avoiding Relegation on the Line in the Weekend Preview

• The DStv Premiership has three rounds to be played, with Mamelodi Sundowns predictably having won the title
• However, there is still very much to play for at the top and bottom of the table judging by the importance of this weekend's matches
• If it is not avoiding the inevitability of relegation, a finish in the Top 8 and the further appeal of African football spices up proceedings

While the DStv Premiership title race is over, there is still much to play for with three rounds of matches remaining.

Kicking off proceedings tonight are SuperSport United (eighth, 36 points) and Swallows FC (15th, 23 points). Was the season to end now, Swallows would be involved in the unpleasant promotion/relegation mini-tournament, so victory is imperative for the Dube Birds. Matsatsantsa will want a win just to remain in the Top 8.

Marumo Gallants (11th, 31 points) and Golden Arrows (9th, 35 points) are part of two 3pm matches tomorrow afternoon. Gallants have achieved their mission objective of surviving their first season in the top flight, and anything beyond would be a bonus as they prepare for a Nedbank Cup final against Mamelodi Sundowns. Golden Arrows has the realistic chance to sneak into the MTN 8 spots if they win and those above them (like SuperSport) stumble.

TS Galaxy looks to settle Tim Sukazi scuffle beef with Orlando Pirates on the pitch

Football

Elsewhere at the same time, Chippa United (13th, 27 points) and Baroka FC (16th, 21 points) will lock horns. A win for the Chilli Boys will confirm their status in the DStv Premiership for another season at least. Bakgaga, on the other hand, are staring relegation straight in the eye in last place, and even if they win in Gqeberha, other results must still go their way as the GladAfrica Championship beckons.

Later at 5pm, Amazulu (7th, 39 points) will meet Sekhukhune United (10th, 31 points) in Durban. Amazulu can aim for a top-three finish after doing so with the runners-up medal last season, so Usuthu has something to play for. United is one point from being mathematically safe from the drop, suggesting that they won't be particularly adventurous between the two sides.

Simultaneously, Stellenbosch FC (6th, 40 points) does battle with Maritzburg United (12th, 27 points). Safe in the Top 8, the Maroons can realistically chase a CAF Champions League or Confederations Cup finish if they apply themselves and others trip up. The People's Team is not quite safe from the relegation dog fight, so this should prove to be an interesting watch.

Big day in DStv Premiership at the top and bottom of the table with Top 8 and avoiding relegation on the line

Football

Rounding off the day's action are Cape Town City (3rd, 45 points) and TS Galaxy (14th, 26 points). The Cityzens can pounce on Royal AM (2nd, 45 points), who will be out of action because of the postponed match against Orlando Pirates, with the latter on duty in the CAF Confederations Cup. Galaxy, fresh from a crucial victory over the Buccaneers, needs another win to get further away from the relegation positions, meaning that this might be an entertaining encounter.

Lastly, Sunday's only fixture is that of Kaizer Chiefs (4th, 42 points) and Mamelodi Sundowns (1st, 61 points). The only thing riding on this one is if the Amakhosi will give the champions a guard of honour, and if they can climb back into the African spots in what has become a game of musical chairs.

Kaizer Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane believes he has plan in place to neutralise Mamelodi Sundowns on Sunday

Royal AM and Cape Town City in fight for second spot, Maritzburg United and Baroka FC look to avoid relegation

Football

Kaizer Chiefs interim coach Arthur Zwane believes he has a solution for the recently-crowned DStv Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns.

As reported by Sports Brief, the two great rivals are set to collide at Soccer City on Sunday evening in the match of the round.

The Brazilians defeated the Amakhosi 2-0 in the corresponding fixture last September, and also emerged victorious on penalties in their MTN 8 quarterfinal clash the month before.