Watch VideoGAME DAY | Betway Premiership title race heats up as Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns look to close gap on leaders Orlando Pirates

IN different league outings on Tuesday night, title contenders Thapelo Morena’s Mamelodi Sundowns and Pule Mmodi’s Kaizer Chiefs will be hunting for three points in Soweto and in Durban against Stellenbosch FC and AmaZulu FC. The Betway Premiership title race is expected to heat up on Tuesday night (7.30pm), with two challengers –Kaizer ChiefsandMamelodi Sundowns– eager to put pressure on log leadersOrlando Pirates. Chiefs will host Stellenbosch at FNB Stadium, trailing Pirates by eight points, though the Buccaneers have played two games more.

Meanwhile, Sundowns will visitAmaZuluat Moses Mabhida Stadium, sitting three points and one game behind the Buccaneers. It is important for both Amakhosi and the Brazilians to win their respective matches, as victories would provide a huge morale boost ahead of theSoweto derby(for Chiefs) against Pirates on Saturday. Moreover, it would alleviate pressure on Sundowns heading into a congested schedule next month.

With these crucial matches looming, we look at the factors that could decide the outcome for the two teams in Soweto and Durban. Chiefs’ No 1 Brandon Petersen, has been in superb form this season, keeping 11 clean sheets in 15 league games. His contribution has been marked by sharp reflexes and timely engagement in one-on-one duels. Petersen’s experience and growth have been evident; he has even worn the captain’s armband while marshalling his defence amidst a period of change.