Rookies Kruger United target Kaizer Chiefs upset as Fernando da Cruz launches new era

Kaizer Chiefs will begin their 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign against league newcomers Kruger United on Saturday, with Fernando Da Cruz looking to make a winning start to his tenure at Naturena.

The Glamour Boys head into the new season carrying renewed optimism after an encouraging pre-season under the Frenchman, who has already made his intentions clear by declaring Chiefs will compete for every trophy on offer.

Da Cruz has also overseen a significant rebuild, with several new faces arriving to strengthen the squad while the club continues to reshape its attacking department ahead of the transfer window deadline.

Chiefs will nevertheless face a stern examination from a Kruger United side eager to mark their top-flight debut with one of the biggest upsets in recent PSL history.

The Village Boys secured promotion from the Motsepe Foundation Championship last season and believe facing Chiefs in the opening round presents the perfect opportunity to catch the Soweto giants before they fully settle under a new coach.

Head coach Abram Mongoya admitted he would have chosen Chiefs as his first opponents if given the chance.

“A big yes because it has a lot of advantages when we looked at it,” Mongoya told the media at the PSL season launch.

“It’s an exciting fixture for the supporters; they’ve been longing for something like this.

“I think they’ve only had TS Galaxy in our province to bring top-flight football. But it is also a good opportunity for the boys to showcase their talent. I think it is a good platform.”

Mongoya believes the timing of the fixture could work in Kruger United’s favour.

“Getting a Chiefs side at a time where the coaches have not yet settled is a sort of perfect situation. Hopefully it goes our way.”

The Kruger United mentor also revealed that his technical team has closely analysed Chiefs’ recent performances during their pre-season tour of Spain.

“We are going to try and impose our game as much as we can against Chiefs and test ourselves in the big league now.

“We studied their past three games, and we’ve seen how they structure and restructure the team to try and change shapes.

“You don’t know how they are going to start or who they are going to play.”

For Chiefs, however, Saturday represents an opportunity to lay down an early marker.

After a promising pre-season and a busy transfer window, Da Cruz will expect his side to show they are already beginning to embrace his philosophy.

But with Kruger United carrying the confidence of a newly promoted team and the motivation of hosting one of the country’s biggest clubs, Chiefs know they cannot afford to underestimate their opponents if they are to open the campaign with three points.

Chiefs have also remained active in the transfer market as they continue to strengthen the squad ahead of the season. 

The club have secured the signing of highly-rated Stellenbosch winger Langelihle Phili, adding another exciting attacking option following his breakthrough campaign in the Cape Winelands. 

Phili becomes the latest player to swap Stellenbosch for Naturena after Chiefs identified him as one of the country’s brightest young prospects. 

His arrival comes as the club continues to reshape its frontline, with Glody Lilepo expected to leave after Da Cruz confirmed the DR Congo international is exploring opportunities elsewhere. 

Midfielder Thabo Cele has also been informed he is not part of the coach’s plans, while Chiefs remain in the market for further reinforcements after Da Cruz publicly stated the club are targeting a striker, wingers and an attacking midfielder. 

The latest transfer activity underlines the club’s determination to provide the new coach with a squad capable of mounting a serious challenge across all competitions this season.