The 2026-27 Betway Premiership runner-up market remains tightly bunched because the early-season table shows no clear separation among the leading challengers behind expected title favorites Mamelodi Sundowns. Orlando Pirates, the defending champions, sit just one point off the top after seven matches with an unbeaten run and the league’s stingiest defense, while AmaZulu have surged into third on strong recent results and squad continuity. Kaizer Chiefs, under new management, have stayed unbeaten but dropped points in draws that highlight ongoing consistency questions. Mid-table sides such as Milford, Sekhukhune United, and Stellenbosch have also posted competitive starts, keeping the second-place path open amid fixture congestion from CAF commitments and the international window. Trader consensus reflects this parity, with form, depth, and head-to-head results likely to dictate shifts as the 30-match campaign unfolds.