Kaizer Chiefs maintained their unbeaten start to the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Siwelele FC at Dobsonville Stadium on Sunday evening.
The result left Amakhosi third on the log with 11 points from five matches (three wins and two draws), keeping them in touch with early pacesetters Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates. Winless Siwelele slipped to 14th with just two points.
On a cold, rainy night in front of a packed and energetic crowd that braved the weather, Chiefs controlled large periods of the contest through midfielders Lebohang Maboe and Siphesihle Ndlovu. Siwelele sat deep and looked to strike on the counter.
First half: Vilakazi provides the breakthrough
Chiefs created the clearer chances in the opening period. Mfundo Vilakazi opened the scoring in the 30th minute with his first league of the season. Lebohang Maboe delivered a perfectly weighted ball over the top, exposing Siwelele's high defensive line. Vilakazi raced onto it and delicately chipped the advancing goalkeeper Samukelo Xulu.
Wandile Duba had a goal ruled out for offside later in the half, while Siwelele offered little attacking threat before the interval. Chiefs went into the break leading 1-0.
Second half: Quality, drama and a late scare
Amakhosi doubled their advantage in the 65th minute with a moment of real quality. Mduduzi Shabalala delivered a cross and Duba met it with an audacious backheel that wrong-footed both goalkeeper and defenders – a finish widely regarded as a contender for goal of the season. It was Duba's third of the campaign.
Siwelele responded almost immediately. Aphiwe Baliti pulled one back in the 68th minute with a deflected shot that beat Brandon Petersen to make it 2-1.
Chiefs restored their two-goal cushion in the 77th minute. Substitute Faiz Abrahams struck a free-kick that cannoned off the upright, rebounded onto Xulu and crossed the line for an own goal.
The visitors refused to go quietly. Deep into stoppage time, Michael N'guessan reduced the deficit to 3-2, but Chiefs held firm to claim the three points.
Aftermath
The win ended a run of successive draws for Chiefs and extended their unbeaten league record. Fernando da Cruz's side showed both attacking flair and the defensive vulnerability that has seen them keep only one clean sheet in recent matches across competitions.
Siwelele, still searching for their first victory under Lehlohonolo Seema, displayed character after falling two goals behind but ultimately fell short.
Chiefs next face Polokwane City, while Siwelele prepare for a tough midweek clash against Mamelodi Sundowns. The result keeps Amakhosi firmly among the early contenders in what is shaping up as a competitive Betway Premiership campaign.