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 at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday.

Duba was introduced at half-time after Flavio Da Silva suffered an injury and made an immediate impact, restoring Chiefs’ lead in the 56th minute before adding a second goal 10 minutes later.

The result gave Amakhosi an ideal start under new head coach Fernando Da Cruz and followed Orlando Pirates’ successful opening-day result earlier in the day as the defending champions began their title defence with victory.

Chiefs took control from the opening stages and went ahead after only seven minutes. Mfundo Vilakazi created the opportunity by beating his marker on the left and sending a dangerous delivery into the penalty area.

Da Silva reacted quickest in front of goal, finishing from close range to give the visitors an early advantage and continue the form he showed last season.

The goal helped settle Kaizer Chiefs, although Kruger United gradually grew into the match. The hosts competed strongly for much of the first half and were rewarded for their pressure just before the interval.

Khethukuthula Ndlovu, who had posed a threat throughout the opening 45 minutes, brought Kruger United level with an impressive individual effort. The former Royal AM winger cut in from the right before curling the ball beyond the Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper.

Da Cruz was then forced to make a change at half-time when Da Silva was unable to continue. The decision to send on the 22-year-old Duba proved decisive.

The forward put Chiefs back in front 11 minutes after the restart, giving his side the advantage once again. He completed his brace in the 66th minute to give the visitors breathing space and effectively settle the contest.

Lebogang Maboe showed determination to win possession before finding Duba inside the box. The striker’s powerful effort took a slight deflection, wrong-footed the goalkeeper and found the net.

Duba’s double completed an influential appearance from the bench and ensured Kaizer Chiefs collected maximum points in the opening fixture of their new league campaign.

There was still evidence of areas for Da Cruz to improve as he begins his tenure, but Chiefs will take encouragement from the quality of their attacking play and the decisive contribution made by their substitutes.

The Soweto club will now look to build on the result and carry that momentum into the opening weeks of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season.