Stellenbosch vs Kaizer Chiefs: Amakhosi Kick Off Season with 2-0 Victory

Rethabile Nyelele11 August , 2025

Stellenbosch vs Kaizer Chiefs – Kaizer Chiefs made the perfect start to their 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign on Sunday evening, claiming a composed 2-0 victory over Stellenbosch FC at Athlone Stadium. The result mirrored last season’s opening-day success, reigniting hopes among the Amakhosi faithful that this could be the year the Soweto giants mount a serious title challenge.

Early Blow for Stellenbosch

The home side’s game plan was dealt a severe setback just 14 minutes in when Siviwe Nkwali was shown a straight red card for a last-man foul on the lively Mduduzi Shabalala, who was through on goal just outside the box. Stellenbosch, already facing a stern test against Chiefs, suddenly found themselves a man down with more than three-quarters of the match to play.

From the resulting free-kick, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo stepped up and delivered with precision, curling the ball beyond the wall and into the net to give Chiefs a 1-0 lead. The strike not only silenced the home crowd but also set the tone for the rest of the match.

Kaizer Chiefs in Control but Kept at Bay

With the numerical advantage, Chiefs controlled possession and dictated the pace of the game. Stellenbosch sat deep, making it difficult for Amakhosi to create clear-cut chances despite their dominance in midfield.

While Chiefs looked comfortable, the slender one-goal cushion meant the contest remained alive, with the home side occasionally threatening on the counter. Goalkeeper Brandon Petersen had to stay alert, though Stellenbosch rarely tested him meaningfully.

Late Drama Seals the Points

Just when it appeared the match would end 1-0, late drama unfolded in added time. Chiefs were awarded a penalty after a handball inside the box, giving them the perfect opportunity to put the result beyond doubt.

Glody Lilepo, making his mark on debut, confidently sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to secure a 2-0 victory. The final whistle sparked jubilant celebrations from the travelling supporters, who roared their team off the pitch in anticipation of what could lie ahead this season.

Memories of Last Season’s False Dawn

The win will have lifted the mood in the Amakhosi camp, but a sense of cautious optimism lingers. Chiefs also started brightly last season, winning their first two fixtures under then-new coach Nasreddine Nabi, only to stumble in their third match against reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns.

That clash ended in a controversial 2-1 defeat and proved to be a turning point in a campaign that ultimately fell short of expectations. The test this time will be whether Chiefs can maintain their momentum when they face the league’s top sides.

Navigating Without Nabi

Adding an extra layer of intrigue to this season’s start is the absence of coach Nasreddine Nabi, who is currently in Tunisia attending to a family emergency. The club has not confirmed when he will return, leaving the squad under the temporary guidance of his technical team.

For now, the players appear to be responding well in his absence, showing discipline and focus to secure maximum points in their opener.

Stellenbosch vs Kaizer Chiefs: Early League Picture

The victory places Chiefs in third position on the league table after the opening round of fixtures. Only Bloemfontein Celtic (Siwelele) and Durban City sit above them on goal difference. Meanwhile, champions Mamelodi Sundowns began their title defence with a surprise draw against Chippa United, a result that has given early hope to their rivals.

With a strong start and a fanbase hungry for silverware, Chiefs have laid down an early marker. The challenge now will be to turn a promising opening into sustained success — something that has eluded them in recent seasons.