Kaizer Chiefs finished the first round of Betway Premiership at the top of the standings after an impressive away victory. Defending champions Orlando Pirates also began their title defence with a commanding win.
Supporters were treated to an entertaining start to the new campaign as six matches produced winners. Only one fixture ended without a goal. The opening weekend also marked the top-flight debuts of Milford FC and Kruger United. It added another exciting chapter to the Premier Soccer League.
KAIZER CHIEFS MAKE THE BIGGEST STATEMENT
Kaizer Chiefs climbed to the summit of the Betway Premiership table. Amakhosi secured a thrilling 3-1 victory over newly-promoted Kruger United at the Mbombela Stadium.
Flavio Da Silva opened the scoring for Amakhosi, but the hosts responded just before halftime with a Khethukuthula Ndlovu goal. However, substitute Wandile Duba stole the headlines. The Lenasia-born star hit a superb second-half brace to hand Fernando da Cruz a dream start to his league reign.
Earlier on Saturday, Orlando Pirates made a strong statement of their own. They defeated Milford 2-0 at the Orlando Amstel Arena.
Oswin Appollis broke the deadlock with a deflected free-kick in the 24th minute. Tshepang Moremi added a late second goal to seal a comfortable victory. Although Milford battled bravely throughout the contest, the defending champions showed their class when it mattered most.
AmaZulu also celebrated an important opening-day victory after edging Stellenbosch FC 1-0 at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium. The fixture had been switched to KwaZulu-Natal after a shortage of available venues prevented Stellenbosch FC from hosting the match in the Western Cape.
A coolly converted 59th-minute penalty from Zimbabwean star Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya proved enough to earn Usuthu all three points in a tightly contested encounter.
Meanwhile, Sekhukhune United opened their campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Durban City FC at the Seshego Stadium. Bright Ndlovu scored the decisive first-half goal as Babina Noko secured a winning start to the new season.
BETWAY PREMIERSHIP LATE DRAMA
The only goalless fixture of the opening round came at the King Zwelithini Stadium. Lamontville Golden Arrows and Chippa United cancelled each other out in a disciplined defensive battle.
Sunday’s action began with Polokwane City claiming an impressive 2-1 away victory over Richards Bay. It gave the visitors an excellent start under new coach Bayano Moloto in the Betway Premiership.
The final fixture of the weekend produced one of the most entertaining matches of the round. Siwelele and TS Galaxy shared the spoils in a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Toyota Stadium.
Sphesihle Jeza and Vincent Pule fired Siwelele into a commanding position, but TS Galaxy mounted a spirited comeback through a Sepana Letsoalo penalty before Veluyeke Zulu struck a dramatic late equaliser.
The opening round of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership delivered everything supporters had hoped for. We enjoyed stunning goals and impressive debuts to thrilling comebacks and dramatic finishes. With Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates laying down early markers, the race for league honours is already shaping up to be fiercely contested.
WHO DO YOU EXPECT TO WIN THE TITLE IN MAY?
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