Kaizer Chiefs will take on Sekhukhune United on Tuesday in what could be a defining early-season clash in the Betway Premiership at FNB Stadium. Both teams are unbeaten, having collected four wins and a draw from their first five matches. Sekhukhune currently hold a slight edge with a +7 goal difference to Chiefs’ +5, but whoever comes out on top Tuesday will ascend to the summit of the PSL table.
Mamelodi Sundowns briefly claimed first place on Sunday after a 3-0 victory over Magesi FC, but with six matches played compared to five apiece for Chiefs and Sekhukhune, the winner of this fixture could leapfrog the defending champions, at least temporarily.
Earlier this year, the two sides faced off in the race for CAF Confederation Cup qualification. Chiefs secured the continental spot by winning the Nedbank Cup, seeing off Sundowns in the semifinals and edging rivals Orlando Pirates 2-1 in the final. Sekhukhune, who finished fourth in last season’s Premiership, just missed out on a chance to represent South Africa in Africa’s secondary club competition.
Neither side was widely expected to challenge for the PSL title this term, but both have impressed in the opening weeks and are daring to dream. Beyond bragging rights, this encounter could prove pivotal in determining qualification for next season’s CAF competitions.
Chiefs will be without long-term absentees Given Msimango and Rushwin Dortley. Aden McCarthy, Etiosa Ighodaro, and Nkanyiso Shinga have also missed recent games but could be closer to full fitness following the international break.
Expected lineups for Chiefs see Brandon Peterson in goal, with a back four of Brad Cross, Aden McCarthy, Inácio Miguel, and Thabiso Monyane. Midfield duties are handled by Sibongiseni Mthethwa and Thabo Cele, while Pule Mmodi, Mduduzi Shabalala, and Makabi Lilepo provide width and creativity, supporting striker Flávio Silva. Sekhukhune are likely to field Renaldo Leaner in goal, Tsepo Matsimbi, Bright Ndlovu, Medupi Thokolo, and Vuyo Letlapa across defense, Thabang Monare and Siphesihle Mkhize in midfield, and a frontline of Keletso Makgalwa, Ngoanamello Rammala, Vusimuzi Mncube, and Bradley Grobler spearheading the attack.
Bradley Grobler has an impressive record against Chiefs, having scored 10 goals in 24 appearances across all competitions. Chiefs’ defence has been rock-solid so far, yet to concede a goal this season, while Sekhukhune have let in just once, setting the stage for a tight, high-stakes contest.