By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@KaizerChiefs.
Kaizer Chiefs defeated Kruger United F.C. 3-1 in their Betway Premiership season opener on August 1, 2026 at Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga.
Chiefs broke the deadlock with Flavio Silva getting well-acquainted with the Kruger defence. After stringing together a well-worked passing move inside the Kruger half, Silva was on hand to complete Mfundo Vilakazi’s cut back pass with a calm finish across the goal.
Kruger managed to level the score on the stroke of halftime after taking the direct route into the Chiefs area. With the ball played into Ntsako Makhubela, who did well to hold up play, Khetukuthula Ndlovu popped up on the right-hand side of the box before letting off a left-footed curler beyond Brandon Petersen.
Chiefs’ mounting pressure paid off shortly before the hour-mark with Wandile Duba getting his name on the scoresheet after coming off the bench. With Reeve Frosler progressing once more, the Chiefs defender struck a venomous left-footed shot that was parried into the path of Duba who obliged with a tap in from close range.
Amakhosi increased their lead in the 66th minute with Duba making the difference for his side yet again. After swift interplay on the edge of the Kruger area, Duba found himself in an inviting position before scoring with a left-footed strike that took a massive deflection on the way in.
The result means Chiefs go to the top of the Betway Premiership table based on number of goals scored.
Meanwhile reigning Betway Premiership champions Orlando Pirates got their 2026-27 league campaign off to the best possible start following a 2-0 win over newly promoted Milford FC at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday afternoon.
Elsewhere Sekhukhune United joined the winning column during the opening weekend of the 2026-27 Betway Premiership season, claiming a hard-fought 1-0 win over Durban City at the Seshego Stadium and Stellenbosch FC left the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium empty-handed on Saturday afternoon after AmaZulu claimed a 1-0 victory through a penalty.
Betway Premiership Results
Golden Arrows 0-0 Chippa United.