Kaizer Chiefs
Kaizer Chiefs’ hopes of bouncing back from recent setbacks were dashed as they were held to a 1-1 draw by a resilient Marumo Gallants in their Betway Premiership encounter at FNB Stadium on Wednesday, 24 September 2025. Khanyisa Mayo marked his debut with a well-taken goal in the first half, but a late strike from substitute Jaison Clifford ensured Gallants left with a valuable point. The result extends Chiefs’ winless run to three matches across all competitions, highlighting ongoing inconsistencies under stand-in coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef, who stepped in for absent head coach Nasreddine Nabi. This Heritage Day fixture, part of Matchday 8, saw both teams create chances on a lively pitch, but missed opportunities—most notably Gaston Sirino’s penalty miss—proved costly for the hosts.
The draw leaves Kaizer Chiefs in a precarious position early in the 2025/26 season, as they struggle to convert dominance into wins. Marumo Gallants, meanwhile, remain winless in their last six league outings but showed grit to salvage a point, moving them to ninth in the standings. With the Premiership heating up, this result underscores the competitive nature of South Africa’s top flight, where underdogs like Gallants can frustrate title contenders. This article breaks down the match in detail, from pre-game build-up to key moments and tactical insights, providing a full picture for fans and analysts alike.
Pre-Match Build-Up: Teams Seeking Momentum
Heading into the clash at Johannesburg’s iconic FNB Stadium, both sides were desperate for a positive result. Kaizer Chiefs, the Amakhosi, arrived on the back of consecutive defeats: a 3-1 loss to Sekhukhune United in the league and a 1-0 setback against Kabuscorp in the CAF Confederation Cup. With just four wins, one draw, and one loss from their opening six Premiership games, scoring six goals while conceding three, Chiefs aimed to leverage their home advantage. However, the absence of head coach Nasreddine Nabi meant assistants Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef took charge, adding an extra layer of uncertainty.
Marumo Gallants, known as Bahlabane Ba Ntwa, were equally eager to turn their form around. Sitting ninth after seven matches with two wins, three draws, and two losses, they had scored and conceded seven goals apiece. Their last outing was a 1-1 draw with Orbit College, extending a five-game winless streak in the league. Historically, encounters between these teams have been tight, with Chiefs holding three wins, Gallants two, and three draws in eight meetings, often featuring fewer than three goals.
The match kicked off at 17:30 local time (11:30 AM ET), broadcast on SABC 1 and available for streaming on platforms like VAVEL. Fans filled the stands, creating a vibrant atmosphere on Heritage Day, a public holiday celebrating South Africa’s diverse cultures.
Line-Ups and Tactical Set-Ups
Both teams fielded competitive starting elevens, blending experience with youth to tackle the midweek challenge.
Kaizer Chiefs Starting XI: Brandon Petersen (GK), Pule Mako, Wandile Kwinika (C), Inácio Miguel, Reeve Frosler, Aubrey Cross, Sthembiso Mthethwa, Siphesihle Ndlovu, Gaston Sirino, Ashley Du Preez, Khanyisa Mayo.
Substitutes: Fiacre Ntwari, Rushwin McCarthy, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Thabo Cele, Mduduzi Shabalala, Pule Mmodi, Christian Lilepo, Wandile Da Silva, Aiden Solomons.
Coaches: Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze.
Chiefs opted for a balanced 4-3-3 formation, with Mayo making his debut up front alongside Du Preez and Sirino. The midfield trio of Mthethwa, Ndlovu, and Cross provided defensive solidity, while Frosler and Mako offered width from the back.
Marumo Gallants Starting XI: Washington Arubi (GK/C), Marvin Sikhosana, Siyabonga Chabatsane, Siyanda Mhlongo, Siyabonga Mphambaniso, Daniel Msendami, Tshepo Nhlapo, Nduduzo Ndlondlo, Xola Sithole, Bheki Mabuza, Mzwandile Mabotja.
Substitutes: Vusi Mlambo, Siyabonga James, Lwazi Luthuli, Thabiso Ncube, Thato Mashao, Thabang Motloung, Siyabonga Khumalo, Jaison Clifford, Thokozani Sithole.
Gallants lined up in a compact 4-4-2, relying on Msendami and Mabuza for attacking threat, with Ndlondlo pulling strings in midfield. Arubi’s experience in goal was crucial against Chiefs’ potent forwards.
First Half: Chiefs Edge Ahead Amid Drama
The game burst into life from the whistle, with both sides showing intent in a fast-paced opening. Marumo Gallants created the first real chance when Daniel Msendami tested Petersen early on. Chiefs responded through Siphesihle Ndlovu, whose effort forced a smart save from Washington Arubi.
Gallants continued to threaten, with Bheki Mabuza heading just wide from a corner. The visitors’ high press disrupted Chiefs’ rhythm, but the hosts grew into the game. In the 38th minute, Ashley Du Preez’s clever play set up Khanyisa Mayo, who slotted home from close range to give Chiefs a 1-0 lead— a dream debut goal for the new signing.
Drama ensued just before halftime when Chiefs won a penalty after Marvin Sikhosana handled the ball in the box. Gaston Sirino stepped up but saw his spot-kick brilliantly saved by Arubi, keeping the score at 1-0. Ndlovu, already on a yellow card for an earlier foul, was substituted at the break for Thabo Cele to avoid further risk.
Halftime saw Chiefs leading 1-0, with 57% possession and more shots on target, but Gallants’ resilience kept them in the contest.
Second Half: Gallants Fight Back for a Point
The second period started with Chiefs pushing for a second goal. Sirino had a golden opportunity to redeem his penalty miss but dragged his shot wide from a promising position. Gallants, sensing vulnerability, introduced substitutes to freshen their attack, including Jaison Clifford.
The turning point came in the 80th minute when Clifford, shortly after coming on, unleashed a superb strike from outside the box into the top corner, leveling the score at 1-1. Chiefs threw everything forward in the dying minutes, but Gallants’ defence, led by Arubi’s commanding presence, held firm.
No further goals came, and the match ended 1-1, with Chiefs ruing missed chances and Gallants celebrating a hard-fought draw.
Post-Match Analysis: Missed Chances and Tactical Lessons
Kaizer Chiefs will view this as two points dropped, especially after Sirino’s penalty miss proved pivotal. Mayo’s debut strike offered a bright spot, showcasing his potential as a key addition from Cape Town City, but the team’s inability to kill off the game highlights defensive frailties and a lack of clinical finishing. The absence of Nabi may have impacted strategy, with the assistants opting for caution after the early lead.
For Marumo Gallants, Clifford’s late heroics underline their fighting spirit, earning a crucial point on the road. Their compact shape frustrated Chiefs, and the draw boosts morale amid a tough run. Coach Dan Malesela’s substitutions paid off, proving depth in the squad.
This result sees Chiefs slip further behind early pacesetters like Mamelodi Sundowns, who recently lost their unbeaten streak. Gallants climb slightly but remain mid-table. Both teams now turn to upcoming fixtures: Chiefs face AmaZulu on 28 September, while Gallants host Orlando Pirates on 29 September.
