Predictions & Betting Guide: Chiefs and Pirates in CAF Action, Sundowns Tipped at Home

South African clubs are set for an action-packed weekend both on the continent and at home. Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs launch their CAF campaigns, while Mamelodi Sundowns and Stellenbosch FC turn their attention to league action. Here’s the breakdown, with predictions and betting tips.

Kabuscorp (Angola) vs Kaizer Chiefs

Venue: 11 de Novembro Stadium, Luanda
Kick-off: Saturday, 5pm

Kaizer Chiefs travel to Angola for their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary first-round clash following a 3-1 midweek loss to Sekhukhune United. The sudden departure of coach Nasreddine Nabi has created further instability, though the squad is bolstered by new arrivals Paseka Mako, Siphesihle Ndlovu, and Flavio da Silva.

Kabuscorp, however, will be tough opponents after their 1-0 win over Interclube earlier this week, with fresher legs and home support.

• Prediction: Kabuscorp 0–2 Kaizer Chiefs
• Betting Tip: Back Chiefs to win, but expect a cagey first half (Half-time/Full-time: Draw/Chiefs).

Stellenbosch FC vs Richards Bay

Venue: Danie Craven Stadium, Stellenbosch
Kick-off: Saturday, 5.30pm

Stellenbosch will want to bounce back after a stuttering start, and playing at Danie Craven gives them the edge. Richards Bay, led by Ronnie Gabriel and Papi Zothwane, are defensively disciplined but inconsistent on the road.

• Prediction: Stellenbosch 1–0 Richards Bay
• Betting Tip: Back Stellenbosch to win, with Under 2.5 goals likely given both sides’ low-scoring form.

Lioli FC (Lesotho) vs Orlando Pirates

Venue: Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein
Kick-off: Saturday, 3pm

Orlando Pirates begin their CAF Champions League campaign against Lioli FC. While Pirates are overwhelming favourites with their superior squad, Lioli will push hard in front of their supporters. The Buccaneers’ experience in continental football should see them through.

• Prediction: Lioli 0–2 Orlando Pirates
• Betting Tip: Pirates to win with a clean sheet (Pirates Win to Nil).

Mamelodi Sundowns vs Durban City

Venue: Lucas Moripe Stadium, Atteridgeville
Kick-off: Saturday, 8pm

Mamelodi Sundowns were frustrated by Marumo Gallants midweek but remain unbeaten this season. Durban City, fresh from a 2-0 win over Siwelele, arrive with momentum and will test the champions. Expect Sundowns’ quality to edge them through, but not without resistance.

• Prediction: Sundowns 1–0 Durban City
• Betting Tip: Sundowns to win, but Under 2.5 goals is a safe play given their recent lack of cutting edge.

Fixtures, Predictions & Betting Tips

Overall Tipster’s Note:

• Chiefs may struggle early but should prevail.
• Pirates look like the banker of the weekend.
• Stellenbosch and Sundowns are strong at home, but both games point to low-scoring encounters.

Related article: Kaizer Chiefs Confirm Coach Nabi Not with the Team