Kaizer Chiefs made a bold start to their 2025/26 Betway Premiership season with an impressive 2-0 win away to Stellenbosch FC at the Athlone stadium in Cape Town last Sunday.
The nature of the victory has given the club and its supporters a sense of optimism for the remainder of the campaign, as they aim to build on their positive opening performance.
Thabiso Monyane, who made his Amakhosi debut against Stellies, expressed his joy at helping his new team to get the season off to a great start.
Electrifying game
“We have done a lot of preparation leading into this game. Oh my, oh my, it was an electrifying game. I really enjoyed it. I want to thank my coaches and teammates for believing in me,” he said, adding, “The boys put in a shift and we’ve come away with three points.”
The right-back is totally committed to the Gold & Black cause, having made the controversial move to Chiefs from eternal rivals, Orlando Pirates, saying, “I see it as an opportunity for me because it is not everyone who does this. I am willing to give everything for this badge.”
Amakhosi claimed the victory via a spectacular Nkosingiphile Ngcobo free-kick and a Glody Lilepo penalty, yet equally important was the fact that they kept Stellenbosch scoreless on their home turf.
‘Nothing is guaranteed’
Looking ahead to Kaizer Chiefs’ first home game of the campaign at FNB Stadium against Polokwane City at Wednesday, 13 August, Monyane says, “We are an optimistic team and are looking to win every game. That is our objective. In football, nothing is guaranteed. We’ll take things as they come and give our best.”
The new Glamour Boy was thrilled to play against the renowned Amakhosi faithful.
“Amazing crowd,” he stated, “Thank you Khosi Nation for coming to support us. You are our 12th man out there so keep turning out in numbers because you guys played a huge role in our 2-0 win (on Sunday). Please come and support us on Wednesday night.”
Winning mentality
Man-of-the-match against Stellenbosch, Aden McCarthy was also delighted with the outcome on Sunday, revealing, “Honestly, this was a tough season opener. Stellenbosch are not easy opponents, but we came here with the winning mentality we built up in the Netherlands (on pre-season training camp), and we showed it today.”
The youngster has struck up a great partnership with Inacio Miguel at the heart of defence and he explains how it has come about.
“Miguel has helped me and as much as he’s helping me, I’m helping him. Communication is the key to a strong defence.”
On tackling the next assignment against Polokwane City on Wednesday, McCarthy says, “We will keep the same mentality of going for three points.”
The Betway Premiership match against Polokwane City kicks off at 19:30 at FNB Stadium in Nasrec.
Will Kaizer Chiefs make it two wins from as many matches on Wednesday night?
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