Kaizer Chiefs had some reprieve after ending a four-match losing streak by responding with a 1-0 Betway Premiership victory over Duban City at FNB Stadium on Sunday.
Going into this match under pressure of the poor run, Amakhosi collected maximum points in the league for the first time since January 28 when they edged Marumo Gallants 1-0. A breath of fresh air blew their way after a win, which helped them climb a rung up the ladder to position five, where they displaced Durban City.
Never mind that it was a poorly attended encounter, most crucial for the Soweto giants were three points. Although they were unconvincing, they would be hoping fans will be encouraged to attend their next match against Magesi FC in Durban next Saturday.
Amakhosi co-coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze would be happy after getting the better of City coach Pitso Dladla, who entered Sunday’s clash on a five-game unbeaten run.
Given how Chiefs went into this match under immense pressure, it was not surprising to see seven changes from the team that started against Richards Bay the last time out, including the front three.
Ashley Du Preez who last scored for Chiefs in April 2025 was trusted to start ahead of Asanele Velebayi. Wandile Duba, Glody Lilepo and Mduduzi Shabalala returned to start, as Gaston Sirino, Flavio da Silva and Ethan Chislett were not in the lineup.
Siphesihle Ndlovu, as well as centre-backs Inacio Miguel and Zitha Kwinika, were back, while Sibongiseni Mthethwa and Aden McCarthy were suspended. Nkanyiso Shinga was out injured.
City missed the presence of central midfielder Athini Jodwana who was suspended after being shown a red card in the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals against Golden Arrows the previous weekend. Joslin Kamatuka came in together with Emmanuel Jalai, while Samkelo Maseko was sacrificed.
DRAB FIRST HALF BUT LILEPO BRINGS A BUZZ INSIDE FNB STADIUM
Chiefs were lifeless in the first half, and they appeared for another difficult afternoon in which a draw would have been considered a big fight. There were no clear-cut chances, even from City.
But following an opening period which was a big yawn, Lilepo threw Amakhosi in front on 69 minutes to bring some cheer inside the Calabash.
Six minutes after Mfundo Vilakazi replaced Duba, the Amajita star set up Lilepo, who beat City goalkeeper Darren Keet for his third league goal of the season. Shortly after, Lilepo almost grabbed his second goal but shot just over the bar from the box.
Chiefs managed to cling to their slender lead, amid some dramatic clearances as City relentlessly probed them. Most importantly for Amakholsi were the maximum points in the bag.
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