Wandile Duba double helps Kaizer Chiefs start Premiership campaign with victory

Kaizer Chiefs began their 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign with a 3-1 win over newly promoted Kruger United, with substitute Wandile Duba scoring twice after coming on at half-time at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday.

The result gave new head coach Fernando Da Cruz a winning start and ensured Chiefs responded to Orlando Pirates’ earlier victory as the defending champions also made a positive opening statement.

Kaizer Chiefs took control of the match after only seven minutes when Flavio Da Silva continued his strong form from last season by putting the visitors ahead.

Mfundo Vilakazi created the opportunity with a decisive run down the left. After beating his marker, he sent a dangerous delivery into the penalty area, where Da Silva reacted quickest to finish from close range.

The early goal gave Chiefs confidence, but Kruger United gradually established themselves in the contest. The newly promoted side matched their more experienced opponents for significant periods during the first half and continued to threaten as the interval approached.

Their pressure was rewarded just before half-time when Khethukuthula Ndlovu brought the scores level.

The former Royal AM winger had been a consistent danger throughout the opening 45 minutes. He cut inside from the right before producing an excellent curling finish that beat the Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper and sent the teams into the break level.

Da Cruz made a change at half-time after Da Silva suffered an injury, bringing Duba into the game. The decision had an immediate effect, with the 22-year-old restoring Chiefs’ advantage in the 56th minute.

Duba struck again 10 minutes later to give the visitors a two-goal cushion and effectively settle the outcome.

Lebogang Maboe played a key role in the third goal, showing determination to win back possession before finding Duba inside the box. The forward’s powerful attempt took a slight deflection, wrong-footed the goalkeeper and found the net.

The brace completed an influential appearance from the bench and secured maximum points for Kaizer Chiefs in their first league match of the new season.

Chiefs were not dominant throughout, with Kruger United showing enough quality and persistence to challenge them for long spells. However, Da Cruz’s side displayed attacking threat and benefited from the impact of their substitutes after the break.

There remains room for improvement as the new coach continues to shape the team, but the performance provides encouragement for Amakhosi as they seek to build momentum during the opening weeks of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign.