When is Kaizer Chiefs’ next Betway Premiership match?
· The South African
Kaizer Chiefs got the Fernando Da Cruz era off to the perfect start after cruising to a 3-1 victory over newly promoted Kruger United in their opening Betway Premiership match at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday night.
Although Flavio Da Silva handed Amakhosi an early lead before the hosts levelled on the stroke of half-time, second-half substitute Wandile Duba stole the show with a clinical brace to ensure Kaizer Chiefs opened the 2026/27 campaign with all three points.
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Made their intentions clear
Kaizer Chiefs made their intentions clear from the opening whistle, pressing high and dominating possession as Ethan Chislett, Mfundo Vilakazi and Luke Baartman caused constant problems for the Kruger United defence.
The breakthrough arrived in the seventh minute following a slick passing move orchestrated by the impressive Vilakazi. After exchanging passes with Siphesihle Ndlovu, the young playmaker squared for Da Silva, who calmly slotted home from close range.
Amakhosi continued to dictate proceedings, with Ndlovu and Lebohang Maboe controlling the midfield while Chislett and Baartman stretched the hosts out wide.
Ndlovu came close to doubling the advantage midway through the first half after another flowing attacking move.
Kruger United gradually settled into the contest and forced Brandon Petersen into action for the first time through Aphiwe Mpothwe, but Chiefs still looked the more likely side to score again.
Instead, the hosts struck against the run of play just before the interval. Khethukuthula Ndlovu’s effort took a fortunate deflection before creeping inside the far post to send the sides into the break level at 1-1.
Renewed purpose
Kaizer Chiefs emerged after half-time with renewed purpose and quickly re-established control of the contest.
Reeve Frosler twice tested Marcel Dandjinou from distance before Duba, who had replaced Da Silva, reacted quickest to convert after the Kruger goalkeeper parried another powerful effort from the right-back in the 56th minute.
The visitors continued to dominate possession and deservedly extended their advantage nine minutes later. Maboe surged through midfield before playing an inch-perfect through ball for Duba, who finished confidently despite a slight deflection.
Kaizer Chiefs continued to create chances as Baartman was denied by an excellent fingertip save from Dandjinou before Maboe narrowly failed to add a fourth from a Vilakazi set-piece.
Kruger United threatened late on, but Petersen produced two smart saves to deny Ebrahim Seedat and Mlungisi Zwane as Kaizer Chiefs comfortably saw out the match.
The convincing victory gives Da Cruz the ideal start to life as Kaizer Chiefs head coach, while Amakhosi will take plenty of confidence from an attacking display that combined fluid football with clinical finishing.
Top of the standings
The three points saw Kaizer Chiefs move to the top of the standings, ahead of Orlando Pirates, AmaZulu and Sekhukhune United of goal difference.
Kaizer Chiefs will next be in action in a MTN8 quarter-final against Golden Arrows on Sunday, 9 August.
The Glamour Boys’ next league assignment will be against Sekhukhune United at FNB Stadium on Wednesday, 12 August at 19:30.
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