Full plate for football fans: This week’s vital Betway Premiership fixtures

The Betway Premiership title race and the battle for survival both reach critical junctures this week, as a full slate of midweek and weekend fixtures takes centre stage across the country.

The action kicks off on Wednesday evening, headlined by Kaizer Chiefs travelling to the Petrus Molemela Stadium to face Marumo Gallants.

Amakhosi enter the match looking to maintain pressure on log-leaders Mamelodi Sundowns and second-placed Orlando Pirates.

For Gallants, currently languishing near the bottom of the table, every point is vital to distance themselves from the looming relegation zone.

MID-WEEK AND FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

The intensity continues into the weekend. On Friday, 30 January, Richards Bay hosts Lamontville Golden Arrows at the uMhlathuze Sports Complex. Richards Bay, sitting comfortably in mid-table, will look to capitalise on home-ground advantage against an Arrows side that has struggled for consistency in recent weeks.

SUPER SATURDAY: A FOUR-MATCH FEAST

The month of January will sign off with a marathon of football with four high-stakes matches:

15h30: Chippa United vs Durban City at Buffalo City Stadium. Chippa, currently rooted near the foot of the table, face a tough test against a Durban City side that has been one of the season's surprise packages.

15h30: Marumo Gallants returns to action for their second match of the week, hosting AmaZulu FC in Bloemfontein.

18h00: Orlando Pirates welcome Magesi FC to the newly renamed Orlando Amstel Arena. The Buccaneers will be heavy favourites to claim all three points against the league’s basement dwellers.

18h00: Polokwane City take on Orbit College FC at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in a clash that could prove pivotal for the middle-order standings.

SUNDAY SHOWDOWN

The week concludes on Sunday, 1 February, at the Mbombela Stadium, where TS Galaxy face off against Sekhukhune United at 15h30.

They are separated by just two points in the top half of the table, making this a classic "six-pointer" as both teams look to finish in the top eight.

READ: Premiership Wrap: Rockets surge into top 5 while Buccaneers miss chance to go clear