Grobler's double strike ends Kaizer Chiefs’ unbeaten run as Sekhukhune go top

Kaizer Chiefs suffered their first Betway Premiership defeat of the season, a resounding 3-1 loss to Sekhukhune United, which abruptly ended their unbeaten run and marked the first time they conceded goals in the 2025/26 campaign. 

The architect of this significant breach was none other than veteran striker Bradley Grobler, who proved to be the catalyst in dismantling the Glamour Boys' defence. Grobler not only became the first player to unlock Kaizer Chiefs’ defence this season, but he did so twice in this pivotal midweek assignment staged at the FNB Stadium on Tuesday. 

Grobler leads the charge

The match saw the Glamour Boys reduced to the second-best team on the day by Babina Noko, despite what the match statistics might suggest. Wiley veteran Grobler's first goal arrived early in the fifth minute when Tsepo Matsimbi broke into the Chiefs box and squared the ball for him to slide it home at the far post. 

Kaizer Chiefs, however, responded swiftly. New signing Flavio Silva, making his first start and having previously scored on debut, equalised in the 13th minute after Glody Lilepo's cross from the byline was fumbled by Sekhukhune goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata, leaving Silva an empty net. This marked Silva's second goal in two games for his new side. The teams went into halftime locked at 1-1.

Despite the heavily one-sided scoreline, Kaizer Chiefs were statistically the dominant side. They registered 16 shots to Sekhukhune's six, maintained 64% of possession, and completed 507 passes compared to their opponents' 300. 

This became clear when the second half began with a sense of déjà vu, as Grobler once again found the back of the net just five minutes after the restart, echoing his first-half timing. Chiefs failed to clear the ball effectively, allowing Ngoanamello Rammala to set up Grobler, who turned and scored. 

Sekhukhune then solidified their lead in the 56th minute when Thabang Monare capitalised on a counter-attack, assisted by Grobler. The Amakhosi struggled to create significant chances in the final half-hour, with George Matlou's late effort from distance going straight to Nsabata.

Tinkler hails planning and execution

Sekhukhune coach Eric Tinkler credited his side’s preparation and ability to seize key moments.

“I think first and foremost the planning, you know, leading up to the game, analysing Chiefs, and we know that so far this season they've actually been a very, very good team, difficult team to beat. I think they are a rejuvenated team, and they are playing a lot better football than what they did in previous seasons, so we knew this game was going to be extremely tough,” he said.

Tinkler praised Grobler’s all-round contribution: “Everything we've done in training came out on the pitch today.” He added that exploiting Chiefs’ defensive line was central to their approach: “Chiefs like to play this very, very high line and because of that high line they can be punished.”

Standings and next fixtures

The victory lifted Sekhukhune to the top of the standings with 16 points from six matches, two ahead of champions Mamelodi Sundowns and three clear of Chiefs.

Fans reacted quickly to Chiefs’ first defeat, some blaming fatigue from Bafana Bafana duty and others calling for coach Nasreddine Nabi to return home.

Sekhukhune next hosts Lamontville Golden Arrows on Saturday, while Chiefs shift focus to continental duty against Kabuscorp S.C.P. in Angola in the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round.