Kaizer Chiefs open their 2025/26 Betway Premiership season against Stellenbosch FC at a sold-out Athlone Stadium. With head coach Nasreddine Nabi absent, new signings, predicted line-ups, tactical insights, and head-to-head history set the stage for an intense Western Cape showdown.
Date: Sunday, 10 August 2025
Competition: Betway Premiership – Season Opener
Venue: Athlone Stadium, Cape Town (relocated from DHL Stadium)
Status: Sold-out crowd of 26,000 fans
Match Context & Significance
Kaizer Chiefs open their PSL campaign in the Western Cape for the first time ever, and only the second time since 2009/10 (a 0–0 draw vs Santos). Tickets went on sale at R80 and sold out quickly, creating excitement and frustration among supporters. The game was originally scheduled for DHL Stadium but moved to Athlone Stadium due to logistical reasons.
Kaizer Chiefs – Inside Story & Squad Dynamics
Head coach Nasreddine Nabi is absent after travelling to Tunisia due to his wife’s accident. His assistants will implement his match plan from the touchline. Attacker Pule Mmodi is suspended. Chiefs have brought in multiple new signings: Ethan Chislett, Siphesihle Ndlovu, Flávio Silva, Thabiso Monyane, Paseka Mako, and Nkanyiso Shinga. Forward Ashley Du Preez faces his former club and has spoken confidently about challenging for league and cup titles this season.
Stellenbosch FC – Defensive Rebuild & Hurdles
Stellies have lost key centre-backs Ismaël Touré, Brian Onyango, and Tylon Smith. Some new signings have yet to be cleared due to work permit delays, leaving defensive gaps ahead of this opener.
Predicted Chiefs Starting XI (4–3–3)
Goalkeeper: Brandon Petersen (ahead of Bruce Bvuma)
Defence: Thabiso Monyane, Inacio Miguel (captain), Aden McCarthy, Nkanyiso Shinga
Midfield: Siphesihle Ndlovu, Thabo Cele, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo (coming off a strong pre-season, tipped for a breakthrough year)
Attack: Glody Lilepo, Gaston Sirino, Flávio Silva
Tactical Match-ups to Watch
Nabi’s structure is likely to show through: organised pressing, compact midfield shape, and quick flank play. Lilepo and Sirino will look to stretch Stellenbosch’s weakened backline, with Silva as the focal point. In midfield, Ndlovu offers defensive steel, Cele will dictate tempo, and Ngcobo provides creative spark. Stellenbosch will likely rely on counter-attacks to offset their defensive vulnerabilities.
Fans & Media Buzz
Chiefs fans in Gauteng and Cape Town are divided—many excited by the squad upgrades but anxious over Nabi’s absence. Stellies supporters see this as an opportunity to strike early. On social media, the venue change, Du Preez’s reunion storyline, and speculation over Chiefs’ new-look cohesion dominate discussions.
Head-to-Head History
Since 2010: Chiefs have won 9, Stellenbosch 4, with 5 draws.
Last 14 matches: Chiefs 8 wins, Stellenbosch 3 wins, 3 draws (Goals: Chiefs 22, Stellies 11).
Last 12 months: 4 meetings, Chiefs won 3, Stellies 1 (Goals: 6–2 Chiefs).
Recent notable results:
- Mar 2025: Stellenbosch 1–3 Chiefs
- Feb 2025: Stellenbosch 0–1 Chiefs
- Jan 2025: Chiefs 2–1 Stellenbosch
Overall trend: Chiefs hold the advantage, but Stellenbosch have sprung surprises, especially at home.