Kaizer Chiefs delivered an early Christmas present to their supporters when the Soweto giants beat Richards Bay FC 1-0 in a DStv Premiership encounter at FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Cavin Johnson’s men may have bagged the three points, but there’s no way they are going to compete for the league title or second spot if they don’t show signs of improvement in the second half of the season.
Only a strong finish in the first half against a relegation-threatened Richards Bay side allowed Chiefs to sneak home.
A goal by Nkosingiphile Ngcobo on the stroke of half-time was enough to see Amakhosi register their third consecutive win in the league this season.
The visitors matched Chiefs in every department and even shaded their hosts on shots on target. Richards Bay put in a decent shift in attack and defence, and Kaitano Tembo’s men, who are in 15th place on the log standings, will move up if they can build on the performance.
A hugely disappointing first half by Chiefs, who were all over the place, was followed up by a much-improved display with lots of entries in the final third. But decision-making let them down.
However, the Amakhosi faithful will take the win as it moved up them to sixth place on the log standings with 23 points after 15 matches. They are three points behind second-placed SuperSport United.
ASHLEY DU PREEZ RETURNS, WHILE NK NGOBO CONTINUES TO SHINE
The game also saw Ashley Du Preez return to action following some time on the sidelines due to injury.
The exciting attacker was introduced in the 67th minute of the game and added impetus to Amakhosi’s attack. It was his first game in almost two months, as he had last donned the famous Black and Gold colours in October against Cape Town City FC.
The 26-year-old featurd in 11 games in all competitions for Chiefs and managed to score three times with two assists to his name.
On the other hand, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo’s burgeoning confidence is as undeniable as the December sunshine.
Emerging from the shadows of injuries and a slump, Ngcobo has seen his spark reignited under Cavin Johnson. In his fifth start in a row, Ngcobo scored his first goal of the season as he once again impressed in the Richards Bay game.
The midfield maestro walked away with the Man of the Match award for his efforts.
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