Kruger United aim to spoil Fernando da Cruz’s Kaizer Chiefs debut

Kaizer Chiefs begin their 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign against newcomers Kruger United on Saturday, with new head coach Fernando da Cruz hoping to start his tenure with victory at Naturena.

The Glamour Boys enter the season with renewed confidence after a promising pre-season under the Frenchman, who has made clear that his ambition is for Chiefs to compete for every available trophy.

Da Cruz has also overseen a substantial rebuilding process since taking charge. Several new players have joined the squad, while the club continues to restructure its attack before the transfer window closes.

However, Chiefs face a difficult opening assignment against a Kruger United side determined to make their first top-flight match a memorable one. The Village Boys earned promotion from the Motsepe Foundation Championship last season and see the meeting with one of South Africa’s biggest clubs as an ideal chance to strike before Da Cruz’s team has fully adapted to its new manager.

Kruger United head coach Abram Mongoya said he would have selected Chiefs as his side’s first opponents if he had been given the choice.

“A big yes because it has a lot of advantages when we looked at it,” Mongoya told the media at the PSL season launch.

“It’s an exciting fixture for the supporters; they’ve been longing for something like this.

“I think they’ve only had TS Galaxy in our province to bring top-flight football. But it is also a good opportunity for the boys to showcase their talent. I think it is a good platform.”

Mongoya also believes the timing of the fixture may give Kruger United an advantage while Chiefs continue to adjust to a new coaching regime.

“Getting a Chiefs side at a time where the coaches have not yet settled is a sort of perfect situation. Hopefully it goes our way.”

The Kruger United coach said his technical staff had studied Chiefs’ recent matches from their pre-season tour of Spain, including the ways Da Cruz’s side changes its formation during games.

“We are going to try and impose our game as much as we can against Chiefs and test ourselves in the big league now.

“We studied their past three games, and we’ve seen how they structure and restructure the team to try and change shapes.

“You don’t know how they are going to start or who they are going to play.”

For Chiefs, the match offers an early opportunity to demonstrate that Da Cruz’s ideas are already taking hold. The club’s encouraging preparations and busy recruitment drive have raised expectations, but the new coach will want his players to convert that progress into three points.

Kruger United will take confidence from their promotion and the motivation of facing a leading Soweto club in their opening fixture. Chiefs, therefore, cannot afford to underestimate opponents who are eager to produce one of the biggest upsets in recent PSL history.

The Naturena club have continued to strengthen their squad ahead of the new campaign. Chiefs have completed the signing of highly rated Stellenbosch winger Langelihle Phili, who enjoyed a breakthrough season in the Cape Winelands.

Phili is the latest player to move from Stellenbosch to Naturena after being identified by Chiefs as one of the country’s most promising young talents.

His arrival comes as the club reshapes its attacking options. Glody Lilepo is expected to depart after Da Cruz confirmed that the DR Congo international is considering opportunities elsewhere.

Midfielder Thabo Cele has also been told he is not part of the coach’s plans. Chiefs remain active in the market, with Da Cruz stating publicly that the club are seeking a striker, wingers and an attacking midfielder.

The continuing transfer activity reflects Chiefs’ desire to give their new manager a squad capable of challenging for honours in all competitions this season.