The 2026/27 Betway Premiership season kicked off in thrilling fashion over the weekend, delivering 15 goals across seven fixtures, debutant excitement, and strong opening statements from Soweto’s two biggest giants.
Amakhosi Strike Gold in Nelspruit to Go Top
Kaizer Chiefs finished the opening round at the summit of the Betway Premiership table following a commanding 3–1 win over newly promoted Kruger United at Mbombela Stadium.
Flavio Da Silva netted early for Fernando da Cruz’s side before Khethukuthula Ndlovu brought the hosts level before halftime. However, second-half substitute Wandile Duba stole the spotlight, firing home a brilliant double to secure all three points and propel Chiefs to the top on goal difference.
Title Holders Pirates Cruising in Midrand
Defending champions Orlando Pirates started their title defense without hitch, putting in a professional display to dispatch top-flight debutants Milford FC 2–0 at the Orlando Amstel Arena.
New star signing Oswin Appollis opened his account with a deflected 24th-minute free-kick before Tshepang Moremi came off the bench to put the game out of reach late in the second half.
Full Betway Premiership Opening Weekend Results
- Kruger United 1–3 Kaizer Chiefs (Ndlovu 41′ | Da Silva 18′, Duba 64′, 82′)
- Orlando Pirates 2–0 Milford FC (Appollis 24′, Moremi 78′)
- Stellenbosch FC 0–1 AmaZulu (Ngwenya 59′ pen)
- Sekhukhune United 1–0 Durban City FC (Ndlovu 34′)
- Golden Arrows 0–0 Chippa United
- Richards Bay 1–2 Polokwane City (Ndlondlo 71′ | Ramabu 15′, Mapfumo 54′)
- Siwelele 2–2 TS Galaxy (Jeza 22′, Pule 49′ | Letsoalo 63′ pen, Zulu 88′)
