Kaizer Chiefs begin Betway Premiership campaign against promoted Kruger United

Kaizer Chiefs will begin their Betway Premiership campaign away from home when they face newly promoted Kruger United at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday evening, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00.

The match will be a first competitive meeting between the Amakhosi and Kruger United, who have earned their place in South Africa’s top division after winning the Motsepe Foundation Championship last season.

Kruger United secured the title ahead of Cape Town City and Milford FC, overcoming both clubs’ challenge to win automatic promotion. The Mpumalanga-based side is now the second team from the province to compete in the country’s premier division, following the established presence of TS Galaxy.

For Kaizer Chiefs, the fixture marks the start of a new league campaign under Fernando da Cruz. The club endured an inconsistent season last term, missing out on second place and therefore failing to qualify for the CAF Champions League. They also ended the campaign without a trophy.

That outcome led to the departures of Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze, with Da Cruz now taking charge as Chiefs look to begin the new season positively.

Despite their league disappointment, Chiefs will compete in continental football after finishing third, which earned them a place in the CAF Confederation Cup. They also head into the opening league fixture with confidence after winning the annual Toyota Cup last Sunday.

The Amakhosi defeated Zimbabwean champions Scottland in that match at a sold-out Royal Bafokeng Stadium. It provided Chiefs with an early piece of silverware and a positive result before their first competitive encounter with the newly promoted Village Boys.

The fixture has also been granted to Kruger United as their maiden season in the Premiership. Their meeting with Chiefs will therefore represent an important opening test for Abram Mongoya’s side as they make the step up to the elite league.

Chiefs have confirmed their starting line-up for the match. Brandon Petersen is in goal, with Njabulo Monyane, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe? Wait source says Kwinika. Don’t add incorrect. Use exact listed names. “Petersen, Monyane, Kwinika, Miguel, Frosler, Maboe, Ndlovu, Chislett, Da Silva, Baartman, Vilakazi.” Need no full names. Bench listed.

Kruger United’s starting XI and substitutes remain to be announced.

Confirmed line-ups

Kruger United: TBA

Substitutes: TBA

Kaizer Chiefs: Petersen, Monyane, Kwinika, Miguel, Frosler, Maboe, Ndlovu, Chislett, Da Silva, Baartman, Vilakazi

Substitutes: Leaner, Solomons, Nkgwesa, Moloisane, Mthethwa, Ngcobo, Mmodi, Ighodaro, Duba

Kick-off at Mbombela Stadium is at 20:00 on Saturday.