Kaizer Chiefs Edge Stellenbosch FC in Betway Premiership Opener but Fail to Impress
- Kaizer Chiefs opened their Betway Premiership season with a 1-0 win over 10-man Stellenbosch FC at Athlone Stadium
- Stellenbosch’s Siviwe Nkwali was sent off in the 13th minute, giving Chiefs a crucial numerical advantage
- Nkosingiphile Ngcobo’s free-kick and Godlly Lilepo’s stoppage-time penalty sealed the victory despite a lacklustre Chiefs performance
Kaizer Chiefs kicked off their Betway Premiership campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win over 10-man Stellenbosch FC at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on Sunday evening.
Both teams handed debuts to new players: Chiefs introduced Thabiso Monyane and development graduate Naledi Hlongwane, while Stellenbosch featured new signing Siviwe Nkwali. However, Nkwali’s debut was cut short when he received a straight red card in the 13th minute for fouling Mduduzi Shabalala near the penalty area, leaving Stellenbosch to play with ten men.
Taking advantage of the numerical edge, Amakhosi quickly capitalised as Nkosingiphile Ngcobo converted the resulting free kick with power, beating goalkeeper Sage Stephens despite his best efforts.
Chiefs struggled despite the win
Stellenbosch fought back immediately, with Andre De Jong’s goal-bound header cleared off the line by Wandile Duba. Devon Titus also troubled Chiefs’ defence, racing down the right flank to curl a shot off the upright inside the six-yard box. Despite the challenges, Chiefs struggled to create clear chances, while Titus forced a smart save from Brandon Petersen with a first-time volley just before halftime.
Early in the second half, Chiefs made a substitution, replacing goalscorer Ngcobo with Sibongiseni Mthethwa. Stellenbosch pressed forward but failed to capitalise, with Aden McCarthy missing a promising header.
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As the match progressed, Chiefs introduced Siphesihle Ndlovu for his debut, coming on for Thabo Cele, while Gaston Sirino replaced Shabalala. Stellenbosch gradually lost momentum, allowing Chiefs to dominate possession.
In stoppage time, Chiefs earned a penalty after Ashley Du Preez was fouled by Omega Mdaka. Congolese forward Godlly Lilepo confidently converted from the spot, sending goalkeeper Stephens the wrong way to seal the victory.
How did the fans react to the win
Even though, Amakhosi started the season with a victory, the fans were far from impressed by their overall performance, which was covered up by the red card and the two set-pieces .
@Octovias4:
"Good results 💛✌. Our guys need to be more clinical in front of the goal post, they should play as a team, not this thing of looking like they are selfish in front of the goal post. Otherwise, McCarthy did well and he is a good addition in our defense. The future is too bright 💛✌."
@TakuraChamuka:
"Good penalty. However, with what I saw in yesterday's matches, we really ought to be sharper, more coherent, clinical, and composed than this. We have to pick up our feet and heads much earlier into the season. I love the hunger and pressing!"
@Mogenerale24:
"Nice play, gents... just that Lilepo, he needs to up his game honestly."
@FransMohlola:
"A lot of work still needs to be done."
@SmokeLobo:
"Poor... very poor. If it wasn't for the red card and set pieces we wouldn't have won."
Source: Briefly News
