Amakhosi bounce back in style

Kaizer Chiefs (1) 2
(Saile 19’, Shabalala 76’)

SuperSport United (0) 1
(Dzvukamanja 53’ pen)

New Peter Mokaba stadium, Polokwane

Amakhosi added to the Freedom Day festivity of the thousands of supporters who packed into the new Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane by beating SuperSport United 2-1 in an exciting DStv Premiership clash

Spectacular goals from Christian Saile and Mduduzi Shabalala, either side of Terrence Dzvukamanja’s equaliser from the penalty spot ended the Glamour Boys’ goal drought in fine style, as they dished up one of their best performances of the campaign so far.

The early exchanges produced little goalmouth action, although not without effort. Both sides were well organised and probed for openings, yet the defensive lines were equal to everything thrust at them.

The first opening of note resulted in a goal, and what a goal!
On 19 minutes, SuperSport failed to clear their lines decisively and the ball found its way to Pule Mmodi wide on the left. The tricky winger beat Matsatsantsa skipper Thulani Hlatswayo with ease before fizzing the ball across goal. It evaded everybody before reaching Saile and the Congolese winger struck a shot past Washington Arubi in the SuperSport goal with such ferocity that it almost burst the net.

Buoyed by the confidence of the goal, Chiefs enjoyed a period of ascendency, creating the better chances as the game progressed. SuperSport’s only meaningful effort came from Keenan Bezuidenhout, who drew an excellent save, low at his near post, from Bruce Bvuma.

Meanwhile, Ashley Du Preez had a couple of chances, having a shot saved and sending a header over the bar.

Then, on the stroke of half-time, Given Msimango thought he had doubled Amakhosi’s lead following a Du Preez free kick that was headed back across goal by Edmilson Dove, but it was ruled out for a marginal offside, leaving the score at 1-0 going into the break.

Chiefs began the second stanza a little slowly and allowed SuperSport back into the match early after the restart.

In the 49th minute, Bradley Grobler somehow managed to hit the crossbar from two yards out during a goalmouth scramble and the ball rebounded out to Grant Megerman, whose cross was adjudged to have struck S’fiso Hlanti’s arm, resulting in the referee awarding a penalty. Dzvukamanja, one of three half-time substitutes, converted to level the scores at one apiece in the 53rd minute.

The concession of the goal seemed to spur Amakhosi into action as they retook the initiative in search of the lead they had just lost. Coach, Cavin Johnson sent on teenage sensation, Mfundo Vilakazi for a 25 minute cameo and his confident touches on the ball were well received among the spectators.

Repeated attacks down the flanks had the Matsatsantsa defence at full stretch, and the pressure paid off in the 76th minute, courtesy of another goal worthy of preserving in a scrapbook.

Substitute, Reeve Frosler, released Saile down the left and his clever cut-back found Shabalala on the edge of the box. The gifted youngster impeccably placed the bouncing ball just out of Arubi’s reach and just in off the post to score his first goal of the season and send the crowd into raptures of joy.

SuperSport had no answer to Chiefs composure and game management in the latter stages and never really threatened a second equaliser, and Amakhosi saw the remaining time out with little fuss to register a memorable victory and three valuable points.

The win takes them up to 8th place in the DStv Premiership standings, on 33 points from 25 games. With five rounds of the season remaining, Amakhosi still stand an outside chance of qualifying for CAF competition next season. They will be looking for another victory when they host Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB stadium on Thursday evening.

Line-ups:

Kaizer Chiefs: Bvuma (44), Msimango (25), Dove (2), Hlanti (23) (Frosler (39 67’), Solomons (18), Sithebe (6), Mthethwa (5), Shabalala (42) (Castillo (17) 82’), Mmodi (13) Vilakazi (28) 67’), Basomboli Saile (21) (Kwinika (4) 90+3’), Du Preez (9)

Subs not used: Petersen (1); Mashiane (19), Zwane (37), Gonzalez (14), Chivaviro (7)

Coach: Cavin Johnson

SuperSport Utd: Arubi (32); Baloyi (42), Okon (13), Hlatswayo © (3), Magerman (23), Ndlovu (8), Baliti (29), Campbell (21) (Dzvukamanja (11) 45’), Bezuidenhout (28) (Lakay (12) 45’), Matodzi (36) (Magidigidi (46) 45’), Grobler (7) (Ighodaro (9) 82’)

Subs not used: Xulu (30), Muthewi (44), Bhasera (14), Moralo (38), Allan (4)

Coach: Gavin Hunt