Kaizer Chiefs have made an encouraging start to the 2026/27 Betway Premiership, while defending champions Orlando Pirates were forced to settle for a point after being held to a 1-1 draw by AmaZulu in Durban.
Kaizer Chiefs are already giving their supporters plenty to be optimistic about after making it two wins from two in the new Betway Premiership season. The Amakhosi followed up their opening-day victory over Kruger United with a 2-0 win against Sekhukhune United at FNB Stadium on Wednesday night, a result that has placed them at the top of the early PSL standings.
It was not a spectacular performance from Chiefs, but it was a composed one. Sekhukhune made life difficult for long periods, and chances were limited during the opening half, yet Chiefs remained patient and eventually found the breakthrough after the interval. Luke Baartman opened the scoring in the 63rd minute before Mduduzi Shabalala added a second late in the match, ensuring another three points for Fernando Da Cruz’s side.
For a Kaizer Chiefs team still trying to establish a new identity under Da Cruz, the early results will be particularly welcome. The club has now scored five goals across its opening two league matches while conceding only once, giving the Amakhosi a solid platform from which to build. The real test, however, will come when they face some of the stronger sides in the division.
Chiefs respond after MTN8 disappointment
The victory over Sekhukhune came just days after Chiefs were knocked out of the MTN8 by Golden Arrows, making the response in their next match particularly important. Rather than allowing that disappointment to spill into their league campaign, Chiefs returned to FNB Stadium and produced the sort of professional performance that coaches tend to value at this stage of a season.
Sekhukhune defended well and frustrated their hosts during the first half, but Chiefs eventually found a way through when Baartman finished off the opening goal in the 63rd minute. Shabalala’s late strike then settled the contest and ensured that Chiefs maintained their perfect league record.
There is still a long way to go before anyone can seriously discuss the Amakhosi as title contenders, but their opening results have at least given the club something it has lacked in recent seasons: early momentum. For a team under a new coach and looking to rebuild its reputation in South African football, that should not be underestimated.
Pirates held by AmaZulu
While Chiefs were celebrating another three points, Orlando Pirates were left frustrated after failing to beat AmaZulu at Kings Park Stadium. The defending Betway Premiership champions took an early lead through Tshepang Moremi, who reacted quickest after AmaZulu goalkeeper Wilfried Kouassi failed to hold Yanela Mbuthuma’s effort.
AmaZulu, however, refused to let the visitors control the match for long. Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya equalised from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time after a foul inside the box, leaving the two sides level heading into the break.
Pirates had opportunities to reclaim the lead during the second half and came particularly close when Mbuthuma’s effort was deflected onto the crossbar. They were unable to find the decisive goal, though, and AmaZulu held on for a point that will feel valuable against the defending champions.
The draw leaves Pirates with four points from their opening two matches, which is hardly a disastrous start, although the result will still feel disappointing given the chances they created. With Kaizer Chiefs already sitting two points clear at the top of the table, the defending champions know they cannot afford to give their rivals too much room this early in the campaign.
Ouaddou wants more from Pirates
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou was particularly critical of his team’s performance after the match, describing their first-half display as a “disaster” and calling on some of his players to raise their level.
The comments reflect the expectations surrounding a club that enters the new season as defending champions. Pirates have ambitions of competing on several fronts, and Ouaddou will know that his team cannot afford to repeatedly start matches slowly, particularly against sides capable of punishing defensive mistakes.
The coach has also highlighted the challenge of getting some of his World Cup players fully back into rhythm following their international commitments. With the season moving quickly and the fixture list becoming increasingly demanding, getting those players back to their best will be an important part of Pirates’ campaign.
There is also an expectation that new signing Sebastian Pedersen can help improve the team’s efficiency in front of goal. Pirates created enough opportunities against AmaZulu to win the match but ultimately came away with only one goal, an area Ouaddou will want to address as the season progresses.
Chiefs face an early test against Sundowns
The excitement around Kaizer Chiefs’ start will be tempered by the fact that the Amakhosi’s biggest early test is already approaching. Mamelodi Sundowns are next on the league schedule, allowing Da Cruz to see how his team measures up against one of the strongest sides in South African football.
Chiefs have done what was required in their first two league matches, but facing Sundowns will provide a very different challenge. The result could offer a clearer indication of whether this Chiefs side is ready to compete near the top of the Betway Premiership or whether there is still considerable work to be done.
Da Cruz has acknowledged the importance of the fixture while also pointing to the demands of a congested schedule. For Chiefs, the priority will be maintaining the defensive organisation and attacking confidence that have helped them make such a positive start.
An early table worth watching
It remains too soon to draw major conclusions from the Betway Premiership standings, particularly with the season only two matches old and several teams still finding their rhythm. Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates and the other contenders will have plenty of opportunities to close the gap, while the teams currently near the top will eventually face tougher stretches of fixtures.
Even so, the opening weeks have already produced an interesting storyline. Kaizer Chiefs have started with two victories and are setting the early pace; Orlando Pirates have dropped points against AmaZulu, and the defending champions are already being asked some difficult questions about their performances.
For Chiefs, the challenge now is to turn a promising start into sustained form, while Pirates will be looking for an immediate response in their next league outing. With so much football still to be played, neither side needs to panic, but the early results suggest that the 2026/27 Betway Premiership could develop into a fascinating race for the title.