Five reasons why Kaizer Chiefs will beat Mamelodi Sundowns

Kaizer Chiefs have started the Premier Soccer League on a high note, winning all their three games so far to go top of the table.

Surprisingly, they are yet to concede a goal despite playing strong opposition like Stellenbosch, Polokwane City and Richards Bay.

The defending champions have seven points from the three games played, having drawn with Chippa United before winning against AmaZulu and Magesi respectively, keeping two clean sheets in the process.

Have a look at five factors that might see Amakhosi get past Masandawana in the forthcoming fixture.

Nedbank Cup win broke the jinx

Wandile Duba and Lucas Suarez Mamelodi Sundowns vs Kaizer Chiefs — Image – Chiefs

Prior to playing Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final, the Glamour Boys had played Sundowns and they claimed a 2-1 win to claim a vital win which played a massive role in their triumph over tradional rivals Bucs.

It was the first win for the Soweto giants over the Brazilians since April 2021 in the Premier Soccer League. The win proved Sundowns are beatable and Chiefs will surely have that mentality on Wednesday.

The perfect start

Kaizer Chiefs players celebrate Gaston Sirinos goal. Photo Kaizer Chiefs

Chiefs struggled in pre-season, winning just one of the seven friendly games they played. The stakeholders as well as the critics questioned the team's ambition and the ability to challenge for the top positions in the 2025/26 Premier Soccer League campaign.

However, the back-to-back wins without conceding a goal is a massive statement, not only to the doubters, but other teams as well. It explains the confidence the team will surely have when they play Sundowns at the FNB Stadium.

The new signings

Amakhosi have so far signed nine players in the ongoing transfer window. Flavio Silva (Persebaya Surabaya, Indonesia), Ethan Chislett (Port Vale, England), Nkanyiso Shinga (FC Alverce, Portugal), Paseka Mako (Orlando Pirates), Thabiso Monyane (Orlando Pirates), Siphesihle Ndlovu (SuperSport United), Asanele Velebayi (Cape Town Spurs), Etiosa Ighodaro (Mamelodi Sundowns), and Luke Baartman (Cape Town Spurs) are the new faces.

The mentality most of these players are bringing is different which is a massive motivation for the other players. They know they have come to make an impact and what best opportunity than beating the defending champions!

Sundowns' not so promising star

Miguel Cardoso Mamelodi Sundowns — Image – Sundowns

The Brazilians have so far played six competitive games across all competitions, managing three wins and as many draws. By their usual standards in the local game, that is not their best.

Some key players like Lucas Ribeiro and Khuliso Mudau are also pushing for exits which has most probably affected the mental stability of some players. Chiefs can add to club's woes with a win in the midweek outing.

The FNB Stadium crowd

Kaizer Chiefs fans — Image – Kaizer Chiefs

Chiefs fans are usually loud even when their team has been inconsistent; now imagine how the environment will be like on Wednesday, with Chiefs on top of the table!

The cheers, the roars and the screams from thousands of Amakhosi faithful, will not only give the players motiavtion, but it might end up unleaching the inner beast for most of the playing unit! Sundowns will usrely have to double their effort to counter that!