By 
Kaizer Chiefs preserved their 100% record in the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season, brushing aside Sekhukhune United 2-0 on a frigid Wednesday night at FNB Stadium. Second-half strikes from Luke Baartman and Mduduzi Shabalala broke the resistance of a resolute Babina Noko, providing the perfect springboard for Amakhosi ahead of their upcoming blockbuster clash with Mamelodi Sundowns.
The opening 45 minutes were far from a classic. Hampered by the chilly Highveld air, both sides struggled to find rhythm, surrendering possession far too easily in a sluggish start. Sekhukhune fired an early warning shot in the 4th minute when Tshepo Mokoane tested Brandon Petersen at his near post, but the Chiefs captain reacted smartly to tip the effort over.
At the other end, Babina Noko set up a compact and disciplined defensive block. Despite neat interplay involving Langelihle Phili, Asanele Velebayi, Luke Baartman, and Etiosa Ighodaro, the Glamour Boys struggled to engineer clear-cut chances. Amakhosi’s first shot on target only materialised in the 41st minute via a long-range blast from Lebohang Maboe, which Sekhukhune custodian Toaster Nsabata fielded comfortably to ensure a goalless interval.
The tempo lifted noticeably after the break, and Chiefs finally found the breakthrough in the 63rd minute. Dillan Solomons played a neat one-two with Phili down the right flank before carving open space to deliver a precise square pass. Baartman was on hand to sweep the ball home, claiming his first league goal for the club to cap off a sublime team move.
Chiefs began to assert dominance, largely fuelled by an imperious midfield performance from Sibongiseni Mthethwa. Mthethwa bossed the park with timely interceptions and sharp distribution, nearly crafting a second goal when his deft chip found substitute Mfundo Vilakazi, who sent his volley off-target.
Sekhukhune briefly threatened an equalizer in the 82nd minute, but Petersen pulled off a vital point-blank save to keep the lead intact. Two minutes later, Chiefs put the contest to bed. Siphesihle Ndlovu delivered a pinpoint, defence-splitting pass from inside the centre circle to feed Shabalala. The young star calmly kept his composure, placing his finish past Nsabata inside the post to double the advantage.
Vilakazi and Ighodaro both squandered late opportunities to add a third, but the two-goal cushion was more than enough to seal all three points.
The victory ensures Fernando Da Cruz’s men head into Saturday’s high-stakes encounter against Mamelodi Sundowns sitting proudly at the top of the league standings.
Match Summary:
- Result: Kaizer Chiefs 2 (Baartman 63’, Shabalala 84’) – 0 Sekhukhune United
- Competition: Betway Premiership 2026/27, Round 2
- Venue: FNB Stadium
- Kaizer Chiefs: Petersen, Miguel, Kwinika, Solomons (Monyane 77’), Frosler (Nkgwesa 70’), Mthethwa, Maboe (Ndlovu 77’), Baartman (Shabalala 65’), Velebayi (Vilakazi 65’), Phili, Ighodaro.
- Sekhukhune United: Nsabata, Mashiloane, Matsimbi, Letlapa (Ramabu 45+2’), Cardoso, Khupe, Mkhize (Mojela 80’), Khiba (Vandala 60’, Tlaka 80’), Rammala, Mokoena (Mobbie 60’), Ndlovu.
