Kaizer Chiefs’ start to the 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign has offered plenty of encouragement, but also highlighted some of the familiar issues that have frustrated the club in recent seasons.
The Amakhosi currently sit fourth on the league table with 12 points from six matches, keeping them within touching distance of the early pace-setters. However, three draws from their opening six games have prevented Chiefs from building the kind of consistent momentum required to mount a serious title challenge.
Under head coach Fernando Da Cruz, there have been visible changes in the team’s structure and approach. The challenge now is turning promising performances into victories, particularly when Chiefs find themselves in front.
The Polokwane Frustration: Another Lead Slips Away
Chiefs’ recent visit to the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium provided another example of the fine margins currently working against them.
The Glamour Boys controlled large portions of the encounter against Polokwane City and were rewarded for their efforts in the 29th minute when Lebohang Maboe produced a moment of individual quality to put Chiefs ahead.
With the advantage secured, Chiefs had opportunities to manage the game and protect their lead. However, they were unable to find the second goal that could have settled the contest.
Their failure to capitalise eventually proved costly.
In the 73rd minute, a set-piece situation resulted in an unfortunate own goal involving goalkeeper Brandon Petersen, allowing Polokwane City to level the score and forcing Chiefs to settle for a 1–1 draw.
The result represented Chiefs’ third draw in six matches, underlining a growing concern around their ability to turn advantageous positions into maximum points.
Where Is the Rebuild Falling Short?
The early results have raised questions about the areas Da Cruz still needs to address as his project develops.
1. Finishing in the Final Third
Chiefs have shown flashes of attacking quality, with players such as Mfundo Vilakazi and Etiosa Ighodaro providing creativity, movement and attacking energy.
However, creating opportunities is only part of the equation.
The Amakhosi need to become more clinical when chances arrive. Against teams that defend deep or remain within touching distance, failing to convert opportunities can leave the door open for opponents to return to the game.
2. Turning Draws Into Wins
Three draws from six matches have become one of the defining features of Chiefs’ opening campaign.
While collecting points consistently is important, too many stalemates can prevent a team from building the momentum required to challenge at the top of the table.
Chiefs will therefore need to find ways to turn close encounters into victories, especially when they have already established a lead.
3. Concentration From Set Pieces
Defensively, Chiefs have shown signs of greater organisation in open play. However, moments of vulnerability from set pieces remain an area that requires attention.
The equaliser against Polokwane City demonstrated how quickly a single lapse can change the outcome of a match.
For a team with ambitions of competing at the top end of the table, concentration has to remain high throughout all 90 minutes.
Da Cruz Calls for VAR
The fine margins in Chiefs’ recent matches have also brought officiating into the conversation.
Da Cruz has expressed support for the introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in the Betway Premiership, particularly following disputed decisions involving penalty appeals and tight offside calls.
The debate around VAR is likely to continue as South African football considers how technology could influence officiating and decision-making in the league.
For Chiefs, however, the immediate focus remains on what happens on the pitch.
The Road Ahead for Amakhosi
With Lamontville Golden Arrows next on the horizon, Chiefs have an opportunity to respond quickly.
The early-season campaign has shown that Da Cruz’s side can compete, create chances and produce periods of encouraging football. The bigger question is whether they can develop the consistency and game management needed to turn those performances into three points.
For the Amakhosi rebuild to gather serious momentum, the final stages of matches could prove particularly important.
Protecting leads, remaining disciplined defensively and taking chances when they arrive may ultimately determine whether Chiefs remain among the chasing pack or establish themselves as genuine contenders near the top of the Betway Premiership.
What do you make of Kaizer Chiefs’ start to the season? Is Fernando Da Cruz’s tactical project beginning to take shape, or do individual errors and missed opportunities remain a major concern? Share your thoughts with us.
