{"id":40303,"date":"2026-08-13T11:46:20","date_gmt":"2026-08-13T09:46:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=40303"},"modified":"2026-08-13T11:46:27","modified_gmt":"2026-08-13T09:46:27","slug":"kaizer-chiefs-bounce-back-with-2-0","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/kaizer-chiefs-bounce-back-with-2-0\/","title":{"rendered":"Kaizer Chiefs Bounce Back With 2-0 Win Over Sekhukhune Ahead of Sundowns Clash"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kaizer Chiefs bounced back from their MTN8 quarterfinal exit with a 2 nil victory over Sekhukhune United in the Betway Premiership on Wednesday evening. The match, played at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, saw 20 year old Luke Baartman score his first senior goal for Amakhosi before substitute Mduduzi Shabalala sealed the result in the second half. The victory gives Fernando Da Cruz&#8217;s side two wins from their opening two league matches and provides an important confidence boost ahead of Saturday&#8217;s home fixture against defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns.<\/p><div id=\"gaute-1260638730\" class=\"gaute-after-paragraph-1 gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The result also ended Sekhukhune United&#8217;s perfect start to the season after Babina Noko had opened their campaign with back to back victories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/kaizer-chiefs-vs-mamelodi-sundowns-2\/\"><strong>ALSO READ: Kaizer Chiefs vs Mamelodi Sundowns: Tickets, Kick Off Time and Everything You Need to Know<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Chiefs Respond After MTN8 Disappointment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chiefs entered the match looking for an immediate response following Sunday&#8217;s MTN8 quarterfinal defeat to Golden Arrows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Head coach Fernando Da Cruz had challenged his players to improve their composure in front of goal after the cup exit, saying the team had created chances but failed to convert them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Against Sekhukhune, Amakhosi showed greater attacking intent after the break, turning a balanced first half into a deserved home victory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The result keeps Chiefs&#8217; positive start to the Betway Premiership intact while easing some of the early pressure following their elimination from the MTN8.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Five Changes to the Starting Line Up<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Da Cruz reshuffled his starting eleven by making five changes from the side that lost in the MTN8.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Among the notable selections were:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Langelihle Phili making his first start since joining from Stellenbosch FC.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Etiosa Ighodaro leading the attack.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dillan Solomons returning at right back.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sibongiseni Mthethwa partnering Lebo Maboe in midfield.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The changes brought fresh energy to the side as Chiefs looked to regain momentum in the league.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sekhukhune Start Brightly<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The visitors created the better chances during the opening stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Brandon Petersen produced an early save to deny Tshepo Mokoane as Sekhukhune attempted to take control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chiefs&#8217; best first half opportunity came through Asanele Velebayi after an excellent through ball from Lebo Maboe, but the final pass failed to find a teammate inside the penalty area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both teams struggled to create sustained attacking pressure before halftime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3992854558\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Injury Blow Before the Break<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sekhukhune suffered a setback shortly before halftime when defender Vuyo Letlapa was forced off the field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Letlapa initially attempted to continue after receiving treatment but was eventually stretchered off and replaced by Mokibelo Ramabu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The interruption disrupted the visitors&#8217; defensive rhythm heading into the second half.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Baartman Scores His First Goal for Chiefs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chiefs increased the tempo after the restart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Langelihle Phili tested goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata early in the second half before Etiosa Ighodaro narrowly missed from the edge of the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The breakthrough finally arrived in the 63rd minute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Phili played an accurate pass into the path of Dillan Solomons, whose cross found Luke Baartman arriving inside the six yard box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The 20 year old finished confidently to score his first senior goal for Kaizer Chiefs and give the home supporters plenty to celebrate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Shabalala Wraps Up the Victory<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chiefs continued to control possession after taking the lead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Substitute Mduduzi Shabalala made sure of the points when Siphesihle Ndlovu released him with an incisive through ball.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shabalala kept his composure before finishing past Nsabata to double Chiefs&#8217; advantage and complete a convincing second half display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The victory ensured Chiefs claimed maximum points while recording consecutive Betway Premiership wins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sundowns Clash Now Takes Centre Stage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Attention now turns to one of the biggest fixtures of the early season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kaizer Chiefs host Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB Stadium on Saturday in a match that could provide an early indication of where both teams stand in the title race.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chiefs will head into that encounter with renewed confidence following Wednesday night&#8217;s performance, while Sundowns will also arrive looking to continue their strong start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Fernando Da Cruz, the result against Sekhukhune offers evidence that his side has responded positively after the disappointment of the MTN8 exit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/image-114-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40306\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/image-114-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/image-114-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/image-114-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/image-114-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/image-114-450x450.png 450w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/image-114-1200x1200.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/image-114.png 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stadiummanagement.co.za\/event\/15-08-2026-kc_vs_ms\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Stadium Management South Africa<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3992854558\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What This Means for Gauteng Football Fans<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gauteng supporters have another major fixture to look forward to this weekend as Kaizer Chiefs prepare to face Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB Stadium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chiefs&#8217; victory over Sekhukhune restores confidence ahead of the meeting between two of the province&#8217;s biggest clubs, while Sundowns will be aiming to continue their own impressive start to the season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The fixture is expected to attract significant interest from football supporters across Gauteng.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who scored for Kaizer Chiefs against Sekhukhune United?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Luke Baartman scored his first senior goal for Chiefs before Mduduzi Shabalala added the second.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What was the final score?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kaizer Chiefs defeated Sekhukhune United 2 nil in the Betway Premiership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where was the match played?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The match took place at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who do Kaizer Chiefs play next?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chiefs will host Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership on Saturday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How many league wins do Chiefs have this season?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The victory over Sekhukhune gives Kaizer Chiefs two wins from their opening two Betway Premiership matches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kaizer Chiefs produced the response their supporters had hoped for after Sunday&#8217;s MTN8 disappointment. A disciplined second half performance, highlighted by Luke Baartman&#8217;s first senior goal and Mduduzi Shabalala&#8217;s late finish, earned Amakhosi an important 2 nil victory over Sekhukhune United. With confidence restored, attention now shifts to Saturday&#8217;s highly anticipated Betway Premiership clash against Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB Stadium.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Kaizer Chiefs bounced back from their MTN8 quarterfinal exit with a 2 nil victory over Sekhukhune United in the Betway Premiership on Wednesday evening. The match, played at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, saw 20 year old Luke Baartman score his first senior goal for Amakhosi before substitute Mduduzi Shabalala sealed the result in the second half. The victory gives Fernando Da Cruz&#8217;s side two wins from their opening two league matches and provides an important confidence boost ahead of Saturday&#8217;s home fixture against defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":40308,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"kaizer chiefs,sekhukhune","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[56],"tags":[275,9474,11766],"ppma_author":[11575],"class_list":["post-40303","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-sports","tag-kaizer-chiefs","tag-mtn-8","tag-sekhukhune-united"],"authors":[{"term_id":11575,"user_id":23,"is_guest":0,"slug":"nomthandazo","display_name":"Nomthandazo Ntisa","avatar_url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ec3262463e8ed5ea26dca074ed7eff95ffede057639be73a77f7896ccd06170f?s=96&r=g","author_category":"1","first_name":"Nomthandazo","last_name":"Ntisa","user_url":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/","job_title":"Content Editor","description":"Nomthandazo Ntisa is a journalist and Content Editor at What's On G with more than six years of experience in journalism, digital publishing, and content strategy. She covers the people, places, events, and issues shaping Gauteng \u2014 producing stories that help readers understand and connect with life across the province."}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40303","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/23"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=40303"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40303\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":40307,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40303\/revisions\/40307"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/40308"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=40303"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=40303"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=40303"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=40303"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}