Kaizer Chiefs will be looking to extend their winning start to the 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign when they welcome Polokwane City to the FNB Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Amakhosi kicked off the season in impressive fashion last Sunday, securing a 2-0 victory over Stellenbosch FC at Athlone Stadium. Nkosingiphile Ngcobo and Makabi Lilepo found the net, with Ngcobo’s stunning free-kick drawing widespread acclaim.
The 25-year-old playmaker, known for his ability to control the tempo and unlock defenses, will be central to Chiefs’ efforts as they seek to build momentum.
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Assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef praised the team’s opening performance but emphasized the importance of ongoing tactical refinement, noting that the squad will “continue to find solutions on the pitch” as the season progresses.
“When the new players come back to join us it will be better, they will give us more solutions, we waiting for them [for work permits], we continue to work,” said Ben Youssef.
“The most important things that we discussed now in the changing room is that we finished the game against Stellenbosch and we start thinking about the next game against Polokwane City. The most difficult thing for us is always think about the second game.
“As a coach, we have prepare for different playing plan, A, B, C, D, lot of plans, because they can get injury last training session.
“So for us, we prepare all the team, all of them, they can start the game. We prepare all the situation. And if they are available to play, we are lucky if they are not available, it’s our job to prepare the next play.”
Chiefs’ new signings are yet to make an appearance, adding an element of anticipation among the supporters.
Their opponents, Rise and Shine, began their season with a goalless draw against Magesi at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.
While they failed to find the net, winger Bonginkosi Dlamini’s direct and attacking style stood out. Having played the full 90 minutes in that match, he could prove a dangerous outlet against the Chiefs defence.
Historically, clashes between these two sides have been competitive, with Chiefs often dominating possession while Polokwane City look to strike on the counter.
The hosts will be eager to secure back-to-back victories, while Rise and Shine will aim to make a statement by taking points away from home.