Betway Premiership: Stellenbosch Came From a Goal Down to Defeat Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium

• Kaizer Chiefs stumbled to a defeat from a winning position against Stellenbosch FC at the FNB Stadium in the Betway Premiership
• The Soweto giants were the better side in the opening half of the game, but the Cape Winelands side pulled a comeback to win the tie
• The Glamour Boys have now lost two matches in the league this season, and are without a win against the Stellies in their last three games

Kaizer Chiefs' struggle in the Betway Premiership continues as they stumbled to another defeat against Stellenbosch FC this season.

The Glamour Boys suffered a 2-1 home defeat against the Stellies at the FNB Stadium on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. It is the third time they have lost against the Maroons this season in all competitions.

The Stellies knocked Amakhosi out of the Nedbank Cup in the Round of 32 and also eliminated them in the Carling Knockout Cup.

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Stellenbosch defeat Kaizer Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs co-coaches sprung a surprise in their starting line-up by handing summer signing Ethan Chislett his first competitive start after only featuring during pre-season preparations. South African striker Ashley du Preez was also restored to the lineup, replacing Pule Mmodi.

Du Preez came close to marking his return with an early goal inside the first 10 minutes, finishing off a delivery from Flavio da Silva. However, the effort was ruled out after the former Stellenbosch forward was flagged offside.

The opening half largely saw Kaizer Chiefs dominate possession, while Stellenbosch opted for a defensive approach, absorbing sustained pressure. Goalkeeper Sage Stephens played a crucial role in keeping the visitors in the contest, producing key saves to deny both Da Silva and Chislett.

Unimpressed with his team’s performance in the first half-hour, Stellenbosch mentor Gavin Hunt responded with a tactical adjustment, sacrificing full-back Wayde Jooste to introduce midfielder Chumani Butsaka in an attempt to regain control.

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Kaizer Chiefs finally broke the deadlock ten minutes before the halftime break. Glody Lilepo burst down the right flank and delivered a precise ball into the area for Da Silva, who forced it over the line to claim his fifth league goal of the season. The breakthrough came shortly after Du Preez had wasted an open net chance.

Kaizer Chiefs were ultimately punished for those squandered chances in the first half, as in-form Stellenbosch FC winger Langelihle Phili struck his seventh league goal of the campaign a few minutes after the restart, with Devin Titus delivering a sublime cross from the right wing.

As the match edged towards the end, Titus, who memorably scored a wonder goal in Cape Town when Stellies knocked Amakhosi out of the Nedbank Cup, emerged once again, delivering the decisive strike to silence the Soweto giants' supporters.

The loss sees Chiefs slip out of the top three, now trailing Sekhukhune United and sitting eight points behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who secured a 1–0 victory over AmaZulu FC at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

What's next for Kaizer Chiefs?

Kaizer Chiefs would need to recover fast and switch their focus to another important fixture, as their next game would be against their city rivals, Orlando Pirates, which is the first Soweto Derby of the season.

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The match is scheduled to take place at the FNB Stadium on Saturday, February 28, 2026, with the three points being important for both teams as the title race gets tougher.

Chiefs slammed ahead of Soweto derby

Briefly News also reported that Kaizer Chiefs were slammed for making a huge mistake as they prepare to face Orlando Pirates in the first Soweto Derby of the season.

The Glamour Boys have been knocked out of all cup competitions and are only left with the Betway Premiership.

Source: Briefly News