Kaizer Chiefs opened their 2025/26 Betway Premiership season with a 2-0 win over 10-man Stellenbosch FC at the Athlone Stadium on Sunday evening.
Chiefs were without coach Nasreddine Nabi who returned to his native Tunisia following a car accident involving his wife.
His absence however didn’t dampen the mood as Amakhosi hit the ground running and put pressure on Stellies’ defence and were rewarded when Siviwe Nkwali was shown a straight red card in the 13th minute for Chiefs a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
Chiefs took advantage of the numerical advantage, when Nkosingiphile Ngcobo Nkosingiphile curled the ball from a free kick to put Amakhosi in the 15th minute.
Despite one man down, Stellies didn’t sit back and missed several golden opportunities.
Amakhosi’s relentless attack was rewarded in stoppage time, after striker Ashley Du Preez was fouled in the penalty box by Omega Mdaka.
Glody Lilepo bravely stepped up and converted the penalty to ensure that Amakhosi start the season with a confidence-boosting victory.
Meanwhile, debutants Durban City earned three points, when they beat hosts TS Galaxy 2-0.
Goals by Samkelo Maseko and Mfanafuthi Mkhize, ensured that coach Gavin Hunt’s return to the league started on a good note.
Ahead of the midweek league action, Siwelele FC are placed at the top of the league standings, followed by Chiefs and Durban City, respectively.
