Kaizer Chiefs defeated Kruger United in the Premier League opener

Substitute player Vandile Duba scored twice, helping Kaizer Chiefs secure a convincing victory over Kruger United in the Premier League opener.

Betway Premiership

Kaizer Chiefs began their 2026/27 season with a confident 3-1 win against the recently promoted side Kruger United at the Mbombela stadium on Saturday. The Amakhosi team aimed to make a statement early in the campaign under the guidance of new head coach Fernando Da Cruz, especially after their rivals Orlando Pirates secured a victory earlier that same day.

The Chiefs team started the match perfectly: Flavio Da Silva, continuing from last season's play, opened the scoring just seven minutes in. Mfundu Vilakazi was once again central to the attack, beating his opponent on the left and delivering a dangerous ball into the box. Da Silva reacted quickly and scored from close range, giving the visitors an early lead.

After the first goal stabilized the Chiefs team, Kruger United gradually intensified their play and leveled the odds against the Soweto giants for most of the first half. The home side earned recognition for their persistence shortly before the break thanks to Ketukutule Ndlovu. The former Royal AM winger threatened throughout the first period and finally broke through, cutting inside on the right and executing a superb shot past the Chiefs goalkeeper, thus equalizing before halftime.

Da Cruz had to make substitutions during the break following Da Silva's injury, bringing on Duba, which ultimately proved to be a decisive moment. The twenty-two-year-old player restored Chiefs' advantage in the 56th minute, immediately impacting the game upon entering the field. Duba then doubled his tally just ten minutes later, making the result undeniable.

Lebogang Maboe demonstrated great determination to win the ball and find an attacker inside the box, and Duba's powerful shot slightly deflected before finding the net, deceiving the goalkeeper. This brace completed the impressive performance of the young forward and secured maximum points for Chiefs at the start of the new championship. Although there is still room for growth under Da Cruz, Amakhosi will be energized by their attacking play and the impact of substitute players as they strive to gain momentum in the opening weeks of the season.

iol.co.zaAugust 1, 08:00

Kaizer Chiefs face Kruger United in Betway Premiership opener as Fernando da Cruz begins new coaching era

The new head coach of Kaizer Chiefs, Fernando da Cruz, aims to make an immediate impact as the team prepares for the 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign. Chiefs will commence their season against the league newcomers, Kruger United, on Saturday, with Da Cruz striving for a successful start to his time at Naturena.

The Glamour Boys enter the new season with increased hope following a positive pre-season under the French manager. Da Cruz has already signaled his ambitions by stating that Chiefs intends to contend for every available trophy. Furthermore, he has overseen substantial squad restructuring, bringing in several new players to bolster the team while the club refines its offensive unit before the transfer window closes.

However, Chiefs will face a rigorous challenge from Kruger United, a side keen to make their top-flight debut with one of the most significant upsets in recent PSL history. The Village Boys earned promotion from the Motsepe Foundation Championship last season and view the opening match against Chiefs as an ideal chance to challenge the Soweto giants before they fully adapt to the new coaching regime.

Abram Mongoya, the head coach, expressed that he would have preferred Chiefs as his inaugural opponent if the opportunity arose. Speaking at the PSL season launch, Mongoya noted, “A big yes because it has a lot of advantages when we looked at it.” He added that the fixture is exciting for fans who have been anticipating such a match, and it offers a good platform for the players to display their skills, especially since TS Galaxy was the only team from their province featuring in top-flight football.

Mongoya suggested that the timing of the match might favor Kruger United, stating, “Getting a Chiefs side at a time where the coaches have not yet settled is a sort of perfect situation. Hopefully it goes our way.” His technical staff has thoroughly analyzed Chiefs' recent performances during their pre-season tour of Spain. They studied the previous three matches to understand how the team structures and alters its formations, preparing to impose their own style in the major league.

For Chiefs, the Saturday fixture presents a chance to establish an early dominance. Following a promising pre-season and an active transfer period, Da Cruz expects his squad to demonstrate an adoption of his tactical philosophy. Nevertheless, given Kruger United's confidence as a newly promoted side and their motivation to host one of the nation's largest clubs, Chiefs must avoid underestimating their rivals if they wish to secure three points to start the season.

The club has also remained active in the transfer market to enhance the squad for the upcoming season. They have secured the signing of Stellenbosch winger Langelihle Phili, adding another dynamic attacking option after his successful campaign in the Cape Winelands. Phili joins Naturena, having swapped Stellenbosch, as Chiefs targeted him as one of the country's top young talents.

The reshaping of the frontline continues, as Glody Lilepo is reportedly exploring other options, following confirmation from Da Cruz that the DR Congo international is looking elsewhere. Additionally, midfielder Thabo Cele has been informed that he is not included in the coach's plans, while Chiefs continue seeking reinforcements, with Da Cruz publicly mentioning targets for a striker, wingers, and an attacking midfielder. This ongoing transfer activity highlights the club's commitment to equipping the new coach with a roster capable of competing seriously across all competitions this season.

iol.co.zaJuly 18, 20:36

Springboks decisively defeat Wales 43-0 in Nations Championship match in Durban

The Springboks secured a dominant victory over Wales with a scoreline of 43-0 during their Nations Championship fixture held at the Kings Park Stadium in Durban this past Saturday. The match was attended by close to 50,000 spectators.

Debutants and early dominance

The game featured memorable international debuts for flyhalf Vusi Moyo and wing Jaco Williams on home soil. The initial phase of play involved an aerial contest, which eventually gave way to control by the Springboks' loose forwards. Lock Cobus Wiese initiated the scoring sequence with a powerful run through the middle of the field, evading defenders before passing to his brother, Jasper Wiese, who scored in the fifth minute. Moyo subsequently added the conversion.

Mid-game momentum shift

Veteran scrumhalf Cobus Reinach extended the host team's lead in the fourteenth minute after the Boks managed to overwhelm the Welsh defense, with Moyo successfully slotting another conversion. Despite a spirited effort from Wales, they found it difficult to secure significant territory or possession, as the Springboks maintained control over the collisions and breakdown areas. The first half concluded with Moyo executing a perfectly weighted cross-kick, allowing captain Jesse Kriel to catch and score in the corner, putting the world champions ahead 19-0 at the break.

Second half surge and final score

Following the break, fellow Sharks back Williams crossed almost directly from the restart to score a bonus-point try, and Moyo registered his third conversion, increasing the lead to 26-0. Although Wales mounted their strongest challenge shortly thereafter, the Springboks effectively absorbed the pressure, notably thanks to a crucial breakdown turnover made by Paul de Villiers. The impact of the substitutes was evident as replacement scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies contributed to another successful attacking move in the 63rd minute. Five minutes later, Kurt-Lee Arendse scored following a skillful pass from replacement flyhalf Manie Libbok. De Villiers sealed the victory by scoring in the corner, completing a seven-try mauling.