Da Cruz unhappy with early-season Kaizer Chiefs clash against Sundowns

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz says it is disappointing to face Mamelodi Sundowns so early in the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season, with the two sides set to meet at FNB Stadium on Saturday.

The early-season encounter, which kicks off at 15:00, is one of the most anticipated fixtures on the domestic calendar. Matches between Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns traditionally carry intense pressure and generate considerable excitement, and FNB Stadium is expected to be sold out for the contest.

Da Cruz believes the timing of the fixture is particularly challenging because the league campaign is only in its second week. Most teams have played two league matches, while some have also had an MTN8 fixture, leaving players still dealing with the physical demands of a demanding pre-season.

Kaizer Chiefs will nevertheless go into the match with confidence after winning their opening two Betway Premiership games. They began with a 3-1 victory over Kruger United before beating Sekhukhune United 2-0 at FNB Stadium on Wednesday night.

Luke Baartman opened the scoring in the 63rd minute against Sekhukhune United, while Mduduzi Shabalala added a second goal in the 84th minute. Those results have placed Kaizer Chiefs at the top of the league table.

Their only defeat so far came in the opening round of the MTN8, when they lost 1-0 at home to Golden Arrows.

Speaking after the win over Sekhukhune United, Da Cruz highlighted the demanding schedule facing his team before Saturday’s meeting with the reigning African champions.

“It is a little bit disappointing, this match is too early,” Da Cruz said after his team’s 2-0 win over Sekhukhune at FNB Stadium on Wednesday night that was secured through goals by Luke Baartman (63rdminute) and Mduduzi Shabalala (84th).

“We are the only team in the PSL that is going to play three matches in six days. The others will play three games in seven days, and this means we will have one less day of recovery.”

Although he raised concerns about the fixture list, Da Cruz made clear that he was not attempting to excuse any possible result. The match will take place as scheduled, and Kaizer Chiefs have no control over the timing.

“It is not an excuse. This game will go ahead as planned, and there is nothing we can do to change the situation.”

The meeting with Mamelodi Sundowns represents the biggest examination of Kaizer Chiefs’ strong start. Da Cruz acknowledged the scale of the challenge and said his players would need to raise their performance level to compete with the champions.

Mamelodi Sundowns won the Champions League last season, a success that led Da Cruz to describe them as the best side in Africa. He said Saturday’s match would provide a valuable assessment of what his team can achieve.

“They are the best in Africa because they won the Champions League last season. We will try to take our level to that of the Champions League on Saturday.

“This game will give us information on what the team is able to do.”