Chiefs Hold Sundowns as Nabi’s Men Extend Unbeaten Run in Fiery Calabash Clash

The FNB Stadium was a sea of yellow and gold on Wednesday night as more than 75,000 fans packed into the Calabash to witness one of South Africa’s biggest football rivalries. In the end, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns shared the spoils in a tense 0-0 draw that was more about grit than goals.

A Tactical Chess Match in Soweto

Returning head coach Nasreddine Nabi set his side up with a relentless high press designed to unsettle Sundowns’ famous ball circulation. For much of the first half, it worked. Chiefs looked organised, snapping into tackles and forcing turnovers high up the pitch. Sundowns, usually so fluid, were frustrated into long balls and half chances.

Glody Lilepo forced Ronwen Williams into a save just before halftime, while Teboho Mokoena’s rocket moments later was equally well handled by Brandon Petersen. But for the most part, both teams cancelled each other out.

Sundowns Push Back

Rhulani Mokwena’s men came out brighter after the break, with Arthur Sales almost curling in the opener. Chiefs responded by throwing on pace and flair in the form of Ashley Du Preez and Gaston Sirino, but even those changes couldn’t crack Sundowns’ defensive line.

Late on, Sibongiseni Mthethwa let fly from distance, only to see Williams pull off another superb save. By the final whistle, both sides had traded blows but neither landed a knockout punch.

Chiefs’ Steady Rise Under Nabi

For Amakhosi, the point keeps their unbeaten start alive, leaving them joint-top with Sekhukhune United on 10 points after four games. More importantly, it highlighted the tactical maturity developing under Nabi, who only returned to the dugout recently after missing the start of the campaign due to a family emergency.

Coming off last season’s Nedbank Cup triumph which ended a painful trophy drought Chiefs fans have every reason to believe their side is turning a corner. Social media was buzzing after the final whistle, with many supporters praising the team’s resilience. One fan on X summed it up: “Not the prettiest, but this is the Chiefs we’ve been waiting for disciplined and fearless.”

A Rivalry That Defines the PSL

For Sundowns, the result may feel like two points dropped, but their pedigree means they’ll remain in the title conversation. For Chiefs, though, the draw is another sign of growth and a reminder to the rest of the league that Amakhosi are no longer easy prey.

The season is still young, but in front of a packed Calabash, it felt like the old rivalry had regained its edge and South African football is all the better for it.

Source:SABC Sport 

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