Kaizer Chiefs may be sitting at the top of the early Betway Premiership standings, but the Glamour Boys will have to wait more than a week before they return to league action.
Fernando Da Cruz’s side have made an unbeaten start to the new campaign, collecting seven points from their opening three matches.
Chiefs began the season with victories over Kruger United and Sekhukhune United, before holding reigning heavyweights Mamelodi Sundowns to a 1-1 draw at FNB Stadium.
That result leaves Amakhosi at the summit of the early league table, but their next opportunity to add to their points tally won’t come until Wednesday, 26 August.
Chiefs’ next test: Richards Bay
The Glamour Boys will travel to face Richards Bay on Wednesday, with kick-off scheduled for 19:30.
The lengthy break gives Da Cruz and his coaching staff valuable time to work with the squad, assess injuries and prepare tactically for their next league challenge.
It also gives Chiefs an opportunity to reflect on a promising opening to the campaign.
The seven-point haul is slightly below last season’s start, when Amakhosi won their first three league matches. Nevertheless, remaining unbeaten against a strong Sundowns side provides plenty of encouragement.
Da Cruz faces high expectations
While the early results have been positive, expectations remain high at Naturena.
Da Cruz is expected to guide Chiefs towards a top-two finish, which would help the club return to continental competition and restore their status among Africa’s leading clubs.
Domestic cup success will also be a major objective.
Chiefs have already suffered disappointment in the MTN8, meaning their focus will increasingly turn towards the league and the remaining cup competitions.
With the squad strengthened during the transfer window, pressure will be on Da Cruz to turn Chiefs’ promising start into a sustained title challenge.
What about Ngcobo?
One of the talking points from the draw against Sundowns was the absence of Nkosingiphile Ngcobo from the action.
The midfielder was an unused substitute during the 1-1 draw, raising questions about his role in Da Cruz’s plans and what the future holds for the Chiefs academy product.
The extended break before the Richards Bay match could give the coaching staff more time to assess their options and decide on the best combination for the next fixture.
Can Chiefs stay on top?
For now, the Glamour Boys remain unbeaten and occupy first place after three rounds.
But with the league season still in its infancy, the real challenge is maintaining consistency.
The trip to Richards Bay will provide another test of Chiefs’ title credentials — and supporters won’t have to wonder about the date for much longer.
Richards Bay vs Kaizer Chiefs
Betway Premiership
Wednesday, 26 August 2026
19:30
Venue: Richards Bay
Can Kaizer Chiefs return from the long break with another three points?
