The week’s biggest football fixtures in South Africa and Europe

South African football fans have plenty to look forward to this week, with the Betway Premiership returning to the spotlight and some cracking European football matches on the weekend schedule. Mamelodi Sundowns have already made a statement by beating Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final, but there is no time to sit back and admire the trophy for too long.

From the Soweto faithful keeping an eye on Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates to fans following the English Premier League, there are several fixtures worth adding to your watchlist between Monday, 12 October, and Sunday, 18 October 2026.

Here is our look at the must-watch football matches this week, including the big talking points, match predictions and what South African soccer fans should keep an eye on.

Note: Match predictions are opinions, not guarantees. Check the latest fixture times and team news before kick-off.

Mamelodi Sundowns Win the 2026 MTN8 Final

But let’s first talk about the biggest match of this past weekend. The MTN8 final delivered a great match at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, 10 October. Mamelodi Sundowns went on to beat Orlando Pirates 2-0 to lift the 2026 MTN8 trophy. Teboho Mokoena opened the scoring in the 11th minute before Iqraam Rayners sealed the victory with a stoppage time penalty.

Pirates had their chances, including a penalty opportunity that Gamphani Lungu failed to convert after Ronwen Williams produced an important save. The Buccaneers continued to push for an equaliser, but Sundowns held firm before Rayners put the result beyond doubt.

It was a statement victory for coach Miguel Cardoso, who secured his first domestic title with the Brazilians. Meanwhile, Pirates will have to regroup quickly as the domestic season continues.

For South African football supporters, this result adds another chapter to the Sundowns-Pirates rivalry. Both clubs have plenty to play for, and their next meetings will attract plenty of attention.

Kaizer Chiefs vs Stellenbosch FC – Tuesday, 13 October

The Amakhosi faithful will be hoping their team can build some momentum when Kaizer Chiefs host Stellenbosch FC at FNB Stadium. This Betway Premiership fixture is one to watch, especially with Chiefs looking to establish themselves among the serious contenders this season. The PSL lists the match for 19:30 SAST.

Stellenbosch are not the sort of opponents who will simply roll over and hand Chiefs three points. They can make life uncomfortable for the home side, particularly if Chiefs struggle to turn possession into clear chances.

Our prediction: Kaizer Chiefs to win narrowly, 1-0.

Orlando Pirates vs TS Galaxy – Tuesday, 13 October

Pirates will want to put their MTN8 final disappointment behind them when they face TS Galaxy. The Buccaneers lost 2-0 to Sundowns, but this league fixture gives them an immediate opportunity to respond.

The Soweto giants have the quality to control this match, although TS Galaxy can be dangerous when they find space on the counterattack. Pirates will need to show more composure in front of goal after missing opportunities in the final.

Our prediction: Orlando Pirates to win 2-0.

Richards Bay vs Mamelodi Sundowns – Tuesday, 13 October

Fresh from lifting the MTN8 trophy, Sundowns travel to face Richards Bay at Princess Magogo Stadium. The Brazilians will be favourites on paper, but playing away from home after a demanding cup final can present its own challenges.

Sundowns have plenty of attacking quality, while their defensive organisation makes them difficult to break down. Richards Bay will need a disciplined performance if they hope to take anything from this encounter.

Our prediction: Mamelodi Sundowns to win 2-0.

Brentford vs Liverpool – Saturday, 17 October

The English Premier League returns with Liverpool travelling to Brentford on Saturday. It is an interesting test for the visitors, who will want to keep pace with their rivals in the race for the Premier League title.

Brentford can be awkward opponents on their home turf. They press aggressively, compete for second balls and look to punish mistakes. Liverpool, meanwhile, will want to impose their attacking game and avoid giving the hosts opportunities to cause an upset.

This is one for South African EPL fans who enjoy a match with a bit of intensity rather than a predictable procession.

Our prediction: Liverpool to win 2-1.

Manchester City vs Ipswich Town – Saturday, 17 October

Manchester City host Ipswich Town in another Premier League fixture worth following. City will look to dominate possession and create chances, while Ipswich face the challenge of containing one of English football’s biggest names.

The key question is whether Ipswich can keep City quiet for long enough to make the contest interesting. If the home side scores early, the visitors could find themselves chasing shadows for the remainder of the match.

Our prediction: Manchester City to win 3-0.

The fixture is listed for Saturday, 17 October, in the Premier League schedule.

Newcastle United vs Aston Villa – Saturday, 17 October

If you want a Premier League match that could be closer than the odds suggest, keep an eye on Newcastle United against Aston Villa.

Both sides have ambitions of competing near the top end of the table, so this is an important opportunity to collect points against a direct rival. Newcastle will look to make home advantage count, while Villa have the quality to threaten going forward.

Expect an entertaining contest, with both teams capable of finding the net.

Our prediction: 1-1 draw.

Real Betis vs Barcelona – Saturday, 17 October

Barcelona supporters will also have reason to tune in when the Catalan giants face Real Betis in La Liga. Betis can be dangerous at home, but Barcelona’s attacking talent makes them a threat against almost any opponent.

The visitors will look to control the ball and stretch the Betis defence. However, Barcelona cannot afford to become careless at the back, particularly if the hosts exploit space on the counterattack.

Our prediction: Barcelona to win 2-1.

The fixture appears on the published Spanish league schedule for Saturday, 17 October.

The NoBull Verdict

There is plenty of football to keep South African supporters entertained this week, from the Betway Premiership battles involving Chiefs, Pirates and Sundowns to the weekend’s English Premier League action.

Sundowns have already claimed bragging rights in the MTN8 final, but the real challenge is maintaining that winning momentum in the league. Meanwhile, Chiefs and Pirates have important opportunities to respond and keep their supporters smiling.

Our matches to watch are Orlando Pirates vs TS Galaxy, Brentford vs Liverpool and Newcastle United vs Aston Villa. Each offers a different storyline, whether it is a response to cup final disappointment, a test of title credentials or a potentially tight contest.

As always, enjoy the football and remember that predictions are not guarantees. If you choose to bet, stick to a budget you can afford to lose and keep it responsible.