Chiefs face ambitious Tonota test

Kabelo Boranabi | Friday September 4, 2026 09:37

The two side will be entering the second weekend of the season carrying contrasting expectations. Magosi suffered a false start to their FNB Premiership 2026-2027 campaign, by losing 1-0 to Extension Gunners last Saturday, whilst Tonota FC announced themselves in the elite league with a 1-0 victory over TAFIC. The early standings already reflect that contrast. Tonota sit fifth on three points, whilst Chiefs are 11th without a point. Whilst it is still too early for the table to carry much weight, another slip for Chiefs would leave them playing catch-up, whilst a second victory would strengthen Tonota's impressive start.

For Chiefs, the immediate task is to prevent one defeat from becoming a difficult opening to the campaign.

The Kgatleng side was amongst those expected to challenge near the top, but were beaten by a disciplined Gunners outfit whose Tefo Aleseng’s goal proved decisive. Chiefs improved after the interval and enjoyed periods of pressure, but could not find the equaliser.

Tonight's match therefore presents an early test of Magosi's ability to respond to adversity. A victory would immediately put Chiefs back amongst the early pack. Another defeat, however, would increase the pressure on a side expected to challenge for a top-three finish.

Tonota have a different challenge as the newcomers are attempting to carry their remarkable First Division North form into the top flight. They went unbeaten last season, winning 15 of their 22 matches and drawing the other seven, before opening their Premiership campaign with victory over TAFIC.

Their performances before the league began reinforced their early confidence.

Tonota won the inaugural Tati River Cup, coming from behind to beat Zambian giants Nkana FC 2-1 in the final.

They now face a more demanding examination against Chiefs, but the club has already shown that it does not intend to approach Premiership football with a survival mentality.

There has also been plenty happening away from the pitch. Tonota FC's preparations were disrupted on Tuesday when a fire broke out at Tati River Lodge, where the team was accommodated.

The club confirmed that the fire was confined to one block and that all players and technical staff were safe.

With the immediate danger behind them, Tonota's focus has turned back to football. They will hope to respond to the disruption by extending their unbeaten run and proving that their victory over TAFIC was not simply the excitement of a newly promoted side enjoying its first taste of top-flight football.

For Chiefs, the equation is equally straightforward as Tonota have the points, but Magosi have the pressure.

The contrasting starts also reflect the unpredictable nature of the Premiership's opening weekend. Nico United, Police XI, Extension Gunners, Sua Flamingoes, and Tonota all collected maximum points, whilst several established sides failed to get off the mark.

The league has also been accompanied by off-field uncertainty, most notably the Township Rollers situation.

Their opening fixture against Jwaneng Galaxy was abandoned after Rollers were reduced to six players, whilst their match against Orapa United has subsequently been postponed as the club works through compliance issues linked to FIFA player-registration bans.

It is an early reminder that the new campaign is already producing good and bad, both on and off the field.

Morupule Wanderers takes Sua Flamingoes on Palapye Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Sua Flamingoes will attempt to make it two wins from two after their 1-0 victory over Matebele. Wanderers, beaten 2-0 by Police XI in their opener, will be looking for a response on home ground.

Nico United welcome Gunners Sam at the Sono Stadium in arguably the weekend's other standout fixture.

Nico opened with an impressive 3-1 victory over BDF XI, whilst Gunners claimed one of the opening weekend's biggest results by beating Chiefs. Both sides therefore enter the contest with three points and confidence.

At the GU Stadium, Matebele FC take on Police XI. The Jungle Kings will be looking to build on their impressive 2-0 victory over Wanderers. Matebele, meanwhile, need their first points after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Sua Flamingoes.

The weekend's only Sunday fixture pits Prisons XI against BDF XI at the GU Stadium. The two sides are searching for their first points. Prisons XI lost 2-1 to defending champions GU, whilst BDF XI suffered a 3-1 defeat to Nico United.