Kaizer Chiefs start PSL season with win over Stellenbosch in Nasreddine Nabi's absence as ex-Mamelodi Sundowns star's son shines

Kaizer Chiefs opened their 2025/26 Premier Soccer League campaign with a 2-0 win over Stellenbosch FC at Athlone Stadium on Sunday.

A spectacular strike by Nkosingiphile Ngcobo is all that separated the two sides, with Amakhosi heading back home, heads held high after the victory. 

Meanwhile, Chiefs started in an electric mode and won back-to-back corners inside five minutes. However, they were unable to register anything meaningful from the early chances. 

In the 12th minute, the Soweto giants launched a swift counterattack, and this caught Stellies off guard. 

Later, Nkwali had to take one for the team as he risked it all by stopping Mduduzi Shabalala, who was on a clear goalscoring path.

Just after going down to ten men, Stellies were punished by Chiefs; from a set piece, Ngcobo scored one of the best goals so far in the league. From just outside the box, he took a huge breath, stepped forward, and fired the ball into the top left corner in the 15th minute.

Chiefs' first goal was scored with spectacular precision, and Sage Stephens had little chance of stopping it, although he rightfully spotted where the ball was headed.

Stellies almost struck back in the 28th minute, but Sanele Barns was denied by the woodwork.

Although they looked tense in the added minutes, Chiefs doubled their lead when Glody Lilepo scored from the spot kick. Ashley Du Preez was fouled, and the DR Congo striker made no mistake, successfully converting to all but seal a healthy win for the Glamour Boys.

The win takes Chiefs to second place, just below Siwelele FC. 

In the absence of Nasreddine Nabi, Khalil Ben Youssef has masterminded a critical opening win. 

As Nabi attends to a family affair, he does not need to worry much, as his assistant has had the job done.   

Chiefs star Aden McCarthy, whose father is a former Mamelodi Sundowns defender, was named Man of the Match.

Nkwali had a bad day in the office; on his PSL debut, the Bafana Bafana U20 star was shown a red card, and to make it worse, his side lost their opening game.  

Amakhosi will be back in league action again on August 13, as they are scheduled to play against Polokwane City.

The Maroons, on the other hand, are set to meet Magesi FC also on August 13.