Kaizer Chiefs return to FNB Stadium on Wednesday evening aiming to turn a solid opening-day performance into the start of a genuine early-season run. Their 2-0 win over Stellenbosch wasn’t just about three points — it was about rhythm, speed, and a sense of control they struggled to find for much of last season. Now, they’ll want to prove that result was the start of something bigger.
Polokwane City arrive with a very different challenge on their hands. A frustrating goalless draw in their league opener and an MTN8 exit to Orlando Pirates have left them searching for both their first goal and first win of the campaign. What they lack in attacking fluency, however, they make up for in defensive grit — something that has made them a stubborn opponent for Chiefs in recent years.
In fact, while AmaKhosi have historically dominated this fixture, recent meetings tell a tighter story. City have only lost twice in the last eight clashes, often forcing low-scoring affairs where every chance matters. That trend could well continue here.
Chiefs will be looking to the pace of Ashley Du Preez to stretch the visitors’ defensive line, with young Mduduzi Shabalala pulling strings in the final third. All eyes will also be on new signing Walter Bwalya Lilepo, who could announce himself to the home crowd with a first goal.
For City, the spotlight will be on goalkeeper Manuel Bvire, who may need to be near-perfect to keep the home side at bay. Veteran Edgar Manaka’s experience in midfield will be crucial in slowing Chiefs’ tempo, while Douglas Mashiane could be their best hope of snatching something on the break.
Betting angle:
Polokwane City’s defensive approach, combined with Chiefs’ recent struggles to blow teams away, points to another cagey contest. A home win looks the likelier outcome, but don’t expect a scoreline to run away. Under 2.5 total goals offers value, and pairing it with a Chiefs win could be the smart play.
Prediction: Kaizer Chiefs 1–0 Polokwane City