The Tshwane derby between Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United could carry more significance than in previous years and rival the Soweto derby in terms of importance.
Orlando Pirates were touted as favourites to challenge the Brazilians for the Premiership title after their strong finish last season.
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Ahead of the Soweto derby next weekend, Kaizer Chiefs are also not doing any much better than Pirates, as they currently also don't feature in the top eight, lying tenth on the log following their loss against Golden Arrows.
Despite the two Soweto giants' woes in the league, there is still hope of a title race after Sundowns paused their Premiership season perched at the top of the standings with 24 points.
Tshwane neighbours, SuperSport have managed to close the gap behind the Brazilians to just two points in second place on the log after their win over TS Galaxy on Wednesday, although they have played two extra games.
There is a belief, even from Premiership coaches like Moroka Swallows head coach Steve Komphela and recently Amakhosi interim coach Cavin Johnson, who have openly discussed the high possibility of fatigue making Sundowns susceptible to dropping points in the league, given their participation in the African Football League and still having to juggle the CAF Champions League.
The Brazilians are scheduled to play against AmaZulu in the league on 8 November, a fixture that's three days before their AFL final second-leg against Wydad Casablanca, which means they could be compelled to rest their best players.
If Matsatsantsa maintain their league form, they could be much closer or even above Sundowns on the log before the two sides clash on 28 November, as Gavin Hunt's charges have two games before then, compared to Sundowns' one game against Usuthu.
The fact that Sundowns would have to play a CAF Champions League game against Nouadhibou of Mauritania four days prior to facing United, could make the Tshwane derby clash far more interesting and significant to the title race than ever before, as how the Brazilians remain fresh amidst all these competitions will be severely tested.
