Wandile Duba scored twice off the bench as Kaizer Chiefs opened their 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign with a convincing 3-1 victory over newly promoted Kruger United at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday.
Having watched rivals Orlando Pirates begin their title defence with victory earlier in the day, Amakhosi were equally determined to lay down an early marker under new head coach Fernando Da Cruz.
Chiefs made the perfect start as Flavio Da Silva continued where he left off last season by opening the scoring after just seven minutes.
Mfundo Vilakazi was once again at the heart of the move, beating his marker down the left before delivering a dangerous ball into the area. Da Silva reacted quickest to finish from close range and hand the visitors an early advantage.
The opening goal settled Chiefs, but Kruger United gradually grew into the contest and matched the Soweto giants for long spells of the first half.
The hosts were rewarded for their persistence on the stroke of halftime through Khethukuthula Ndlovu.
The former Royal AM winger had threatened throughout the opening period and finally found the breakthrough when he cut in from the right before curling an excellent effort beyond the Chiefs goalkeeper to level matters heading into the interval.
Da Cruz was forced into a change at the break after Da Silva picked up an injury, introducing Duba in a move that would ultimately prove decisive.
The 22-year-old restored Chiefs’ lead in the 56th minute, making an immediate impact after being introduced.
Duba then doubled his tally just 10 minutes later to put the result beyond doubt.
Lebogang Maboe showed great determination to win possession and pick out the striker inside the box, with Duba’s powerful effort taking a slight deflection before wrong-footing the goalkeeper on its way into the net.
The brace capped an impressive cameo from the young forward and ensured Chiefs began the new league campaign with maximum points.
While there is still room for improvement under Da Cruz, Amakhosi will be encouraged by their attacking display and the impact made by players coming off the bench as they look to build momentum heading into the opening weeks of the season.
