The coaches of Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, and Kaizer Chiefs are fighting to stay atop the PSL.
At the other end of the table, Richards Bay have appointed a new coach to save them from relegation.
Here’s why these 4 coaches are under pressure just a few rounds into the new domestic campaign.
Pantev joins Richards Bay in quest for survival
The Bulgarian coach was announced on 21 September on a one-season deal with the club.
Pantev steps into the role left by the sudden departure of former coach Ronnie Gabriel.
Gabriel had only been appointed in July, with Richards Bay FC failing to record a win under his tenure.
Pantev has an uphill task at the helm, as the club hovers just above the relegation zone.
According to the PSL website, Richards Bay are 14th with 3 draws and 4 losses from 7 games so far.
The tactician faces a trial by fire against Mamelodi Sundowns on Tuesday, 13 October.
Da Cruz needs to end Kaizer Chiefs’ drought
A few games into the season, Amakhosi fans were starting to believe.
French coach Fernando da Cruz had led the team to the PSL top 3, keeping pace with Pirates and Sundowns.
Just a few stumbles later, and Kaizer Chiefs are now 4th after being overtaken by AmaZulu.
It’s been a reality check for the Naturena giants, whose PSL drought is now a decade long.
Chiefs need to get back on track when they host Stellenbosch FC on Tuesday night.
Next Kaizer Chiefs Match!
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) October 8, 2026
🏆#BetwayPrem
⚽️Kaizer Chiefs vs. Stellenbosch FC
👕Men's 1st Team
🗓️Tuesday 13 October 2026
🏟FNB Stadium
🕞19h30
📺SuperSport
🎟R80, My Ticket: https://t.co/AJyVI2HLAK
👨👨👧👧Family Zone
🚗Toyota Zone #Amakhosi4Life #TheKingdomRises pic.twitter.com/NdfFsBf2uX
Ouaddou’s response to a final defeat
On paper, Orlando Pirates had everything they needed to claim the MTN8 for a fifth straight season.
Instead, the Buccaneers were silenced in Durban, conceding 2 goals as Sundowns got the job done instead.
Moroccan coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is now under pressure to deliver a resounding response.
With 2 CAF Champions League dates coming up, as well as the Carling Knockout Cup, the heat is on.
Pirates have a game in hand over Sundowns, ahead of their home clash against TS Galaxy on Tuesday.
Cardoso keeps Sundowns’ quintuple hopes alive
Many wondered how Sundowns would respond to their 8-season PSL streak ending by Pirates.
Miguel Cardoso gave the emphatic answer in the MTN8 final on 10 October, claiming the trophy.
The Portuguese coach has led Sundowns to the top of the PSL table, but the race remains tight.
On the continental front, Sundowns are favourites over Wiliete SC in the CAF Champions League.
The Carling Knockout Cup also returns from 24 October, offering another opportunity for silverware.
It may be too soon to call, but the seeds for a historic quintuple are there for Cardoso and Sundowns.
Fixture details: 13 October
Durban City vs AmaZulu – Chatsworth Stadium (19:30)
Kaizer Chiefs vs Stellenbosch – FNB Stadium (19:30)
Richards Bay vs Mamelodi Sundowns – Princess Magogo Stadium (19:30)
Orlando Pirates vs TS Galaxy – Orlando Stadium (19:30)
Details are correct according to the PSL website.
WHICH OF THE 4 COACHES UNDER PRESSURE CAN GET THE JOB DONE THIS SEASON?
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