Kaizer Chiefs maintained their perfect start to the new season with a 1-0 win over Richards Bay FC in the Betway Premiership courtesy of a goal from Gaston Sirino.
The Naturena-based side has made it three wins out of three opening matches of the campaign to sit in the second spot on the table with nine points.
Chiefs hosted their second home match at FNB Stadium in Soweto after playing in front of their supporters last Wednesday against Polokwane City FC. The Glamour Boys beat PLK City 1-0 with a goal from new signing Siphesihle Ndlovu, who opened his scoring account for the club.
Before facing Rise and Shine, Chiefs claimed an impressive 2-0 win over Stellenbosch FC at Athlone Stadium in their opening match of the season.
Following the two successive wins in the league, Amakhosi came into the clash against Richards Bay high on confidence, having collected six points in two games. Chiefs dominated the opening minutes of the match, creating a handful of scoring chances; however, they could not find the back of the net.
CHIEFS LOST ADEN McCATHY TO AN INJURY
The Soweto giants came close to opening the scoring after Glody Lilepo fired a powerful shot on target, forcing a save out of Richards Bay goalkeeper Salim Magoola.
A few minutes later, Chiefs suffered a huge injury blow after talented defender Aden McCarthy pulled his hamstring just before half-time. Zitha Kwinika came in to take the place of the injured McCarthy.
Despite all the efforts from both sides to break the deadlock, they went into the half-time break level on 0-0.
With Chiefs pushing for maximum points, they made two offensive changes, replacing Siphesihle Ndlovu and Sibongiseni Mthethwa with Gaston Sirino and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo.
The chances proved to be effective after Sirino scored a beautiful goal in the 57th minute after receiving a great pass from Wandile Duba.
Chiefs held on to their slender lead to claim a 1-0 win against the KZN-based side to keep the 100% record intact and their third successive clean sheet.
RELATED STORY: Gaston Sirino’s situation explained