PSL relegation permutations: Chippa, Maritzburg walking the plank as NFD beckons

The DStv Premiership title has already been spoken for, with Mamelodi Sundowns emphatically trouncing fellow competitors to capture their sixth consecutive championship.

But at the foot of the league standings, the relegation battle has been an intense affair. Four teams – Maritzburg United, Chippa United, Marumo Gallants and Richards Bay – are vying for survival ahead of the final matchday of the season on Saturday.

The team that finishes 16th on the Premiership table, in other words, in last place, will be relegated to the Motsepe Foundation Championship, also known as the National First Division (NFD).

However, there is a glimmer of hope for the team that finishes in 15th place.

They will have an opportunity to participate in the PSL's promotion/relegation playoffs, a mini-league in which they will compete against two teams - the NFD's Cape Town Spurs and Casric Stars - to secure their place in the top league for the following season.

Tuesday, 16 May

Mamelodi Sundowns v Maritzburg United - 19:30

Saturday, 20 May

AmaZulu v Orlando Pirates - 15:00

Swallows v Marumo Gallants - 15:00

Chippa United v Golden Arrows - 15:00

Richards Bay v Royal AM - 15:00

Stellenbosch v TS Galaxy - 15:00

Kaizer Chiefs v Cape Town City - 15:00

Sekhukhune United v SuperSport United - 15:00

Here, we take a closer look at how the relegation battle could unfold:

Maritzburg United – 16th (Goal Difference: - 16)

The Team of Choice are anchored at the bottom of the table and attempts to salvage a campaign in a downward spiral all started in November last year.

Prodigal son Fadlu Davids returned to Maritzburg after the club’s hierarchy parted ways with John Maduka.

Thus far, Davids’ efforts have not worked out for the KwaZulu-Natal club. In 16 league matches,