Kaizer Chiefs kicked off their new season with a 2-0 victory over a 10-man Stellenbosch FC in a Betway Premiership tie at a sold-out Athlone Stadium on Sunday evening.
The win, which marks Amakhosi’s first of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season, came in the absence of new coach Nasreddine Nabi.
Chiefs were without their head coach, Nasreddine Nabi, who had to travel to Tunisia after his wife was involved in a critical accident, Chiefs started the match aggressively. They pushed forward in numbers, searching for an early goal.
The pressure on Stellenbosch’s back four paid off when Siviwe Nkwali received a red card in the 13th minute for a professional foul. Just two minutes later, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo scored a stunning goal from the resulting free kick. Glody Makabi Lilepo sealed the victory in the dying minutes of the game.
The Soweto giants capitalised on their numerical advantage, maintaining possession and putting on a superb defensive display against Steve Barker‘s side.
KAIZER CHIEFS LEADING STELLENBOSCH FC AT HALF-TIME
The showpiece went into the half-time break with Amakhosi leading Stellenbosch with a 1-0 scoreline.
In the second stanza, the hosts tried to assert their dominance, but the visitors stood their ground.
As the second half progressed, Chiefs’ defence remained resilient, successfully fending off every attack from the Cape Winelands-based team. However, the Soweto giants were also guilty of wasteful finishing, squandering numerous opportunities to extend their lead.
Despite their missed chances, Glody Lilepo finally scored the team’s second goal from a penalty kick in second-half stoppage time, after Ashley Du Preez was fouled in the box. Ultimately, the Chiefs secured a hard-fought victory and all three valuable points.
OTHER BETWAY PREMIERSHIP RESULT
Meanwhile, TS Galaxy suffered a 2-0 defeat to the newly promoted Betway Premiership side, Durban City FC, at Mbombela Stadium this afternoon.
Second-half goals from Samkelo Maseko and Mfanafuthi Mkhize were enough for Gavin Hunt’s club to secure maximum points away from home.
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