Kaizer Chiefs secured a 3-1 victory against newcomers Kruger United in their opening match of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season under new coach Fernando da Cruz at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday evening.
A second half brace from Wandile Duba and a first half goal for Flavio Silva secured the maximum points for Amakhosi while the home side scored via Khetukuthula Ndlovu.
The match kicked off 15 minutes after the scheduled 20:00 time due to a large number of crowds who were still outside the stadium awaiting entry.
Chiefs did not waste much time to find the back of the net. Guinea-Bissau international striker Flavio Silva slotted home from close range after an assist from Mfundo Vilakazi in the seventh minute.
KAIZER CHIEFS SECURE CONVINCING WIN IN FIRST MATCH OF THE SEASON
Amakhosi dominated proceedings for the better part of the half and were unfortunate not to get a second goal.
However, the home side found an equaliser against the run of play through striker Khetukuthula Ndlovu, who continued where he left off last season after playing a key role in helping Kruger win the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
Amakhosi made a few changes coming into the second half with Wandile Duba coming in for Silva and Sibongiseni Mthethwa brought in for Siphesihle Ndlovu.
Duba made an immediate impact as he increased the lead for the visitors 12 minutes into the second half. He scored his second and a third for Amakhosi nine minutes later. The result means Amakhosi go to the top of the Betway Premiership table.
CEDRIC KAZE START OFF SEKHUKHUNE UNITED TENURE WITH A WIN
Meanwhile, earlier on Saturday, former Kaizer Chiefs coach Cedric Kaze started his tenure at Sekhukhune United with a 1-0 win against Durban City FC, coached by his ex-co-coach at Amakhosi Khalil Ben Youssef, at the Seshego Stadium.
Bright Ndlovu scored the only goal of the match in the 27th minute after an assist from Lehlohonolo Mojela. The win will be a major morale booster for the Limpopo club who have made their intentions clear of fighting for a CAF Inter-club spot.
RELATED STORY: Why Fabian McCarthy believes Kaizer Chiefs are set for a strong campaign
