New PSL coaches deliver mixed starts as Golden Arrows and Sekhukhune United impress

The opening two competitions of the 2026 PSL top-flight season have produced contrasting early results for the new coaches taking charge at clubs across the division.

The Betway Premiership and MTN8 began over the past two weeks, giving several managers their first competitive tests in new roles. While some have made an immediate impact, others have endured difficult starts or are still waiting for their teams to find consistency.

Pitso Dladla has arguably made the strongest early impression after leading Lamontville Golden Arrows past Kaizer Chiefs and into the MTN8 semi-finals.

Dladla joined Arrows after guiding Durban City to the Nedbank Cup and a top-eight finish during his first season in charge. His new side began their league campaign with a draw against Chippa United, but produced an impressive performance to beat Chiefs 1-0 in the MTN8 quarter-finals.

His start at Arrows has closely followed the success he enjoyed at City.

Fernando Da Cruz began his Kaizer Chiefs tenure with a convincing 3-1 victory over Kruger United in the Betway Premiership. That result was followed by a less encouraging display, however, as Chiefs were eliminated from the MTN8 by Golden Arrows on Sunday night.

Chiefs appeared vulnerable in defence and lacked cohesion in attack. They conceded goals that goalkeeper Brandon Petersen would have been expected to prevent, while their play in the final third lacked both fluency and a decisive finish.

Cedric Kaze, who previously shared coaching duties at Chiefs with Khalil Ben Youssef during their third-place league finish, has enjoyed a perfect opening at Sekhukhune United.

He has won both his first league match and his first MTN8 quarter-final since arriving at the club. Following a major squad overhaul during the winter, Kaze has combined experienced leaders with new arrivals, with the signings settling quickly and the senior players setting the standard.

Bayano Moloto has also overseen a positive beginning at Polokwane City after replacing Phuti Mohafe.

City opened their league season with a 2-1 away win against Richards Bay and then drew 3-3 with Stellenbosch on Wednesday night. Moloto has retained the foundations established by Mohafe while adding greater sharpness in front of goal, giving the club a better start than in recent years.

Bernard Parker’s permanent appointment at TS Galaxy followed a successful interim spell. After Adnan Beganovic was dismissed last season, Parker helped the club avoid relegation, including a notable victory against Mamelodi Sundowns.

The former Bafana Bafana international began his official tenure with a draw, although the result was undermined by a number of mistakes, including his team ending the match with 10 men. Galaxy then lost 3-2 to Sundowns on Wednesday night.

Brandon Truter was retained by Chippa United after taking over late last season and ensuring the Chilli Boys remained in the top flight.

His team drew with Golden Arrows in their opening fixture and shared the points with Richards Bay on Wednesday. Neither result was ideal, but both give Chippa a platform from which to build during the campaign.

Phuti Mohafe’s return to management at Marumo Gallants began with a draw against Kruger United on Wednesday night. Gallants’ opening league match against Mamelodi Sundowns had been postponed.

Mohafe is expected to improve the club’s fortunes by steering them away from repeated relegation battles and helping them make stronger challenges in cup competitions, including the Carling Knockout and Nedbank Cup.

Khalil Ben Youssef, meanwhile, has endured a difficult start at Durban City. His side have lost both their opening league match and MTN8 fixture, prompting early questions about his position.

City have scored only once and conceded three goals, with a lack of attacking threat and defensive vulnerability evident in both matches.

Abram Magonya also lost his first league game in charge of Kruger United, whose defensive mistakes exposed the team’s lack of top-flight experience. They recovered to claim their first point in a draw with Marumo Gallants on Wednesday night.

The opening defeat suggested Kruger United are still adapting to the demands of the division. Their team structure remains a work in progress, while the influence of the more experienced players has yet to become clear.

Dr. Xanti Pupuma’s Milford side were beaten 2-0 by champions Orlando Pirates in their first-ever top-flight match. Despite the defeat, Milford’s overall performance indicated they could compete effectively if they maintain the same structure and mentality throughout the season.