Kaizer Chiefs had some reprieve after ending a four-match losing streak by responding with a 1-0 Betway Premiership victory over Duban City FC at FNB Stadium in Soweto on Sunday afternoon.
Entering the contest under the heavy cloud of a dismal run, Amakhosi finally secured a full haul of points for the first time since their 1-0 victory over Marumo Gallants on January 28.
This hard-fought win provided a much-needed breath of fresh air at Naturena, propelling the Soweto giants up the Betway Premiership standings to fifth place, effectively leapfrogging Durban City in the process.
Never mind that it was a poorly attended encounter; what mattered most to the Soweto giants was 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 Durban City coach Pitso Dladla, who entered Sunday’s clash on a five-game unbeaten run.
SEVEN CHANGES INSPIRE VITAL CHIEFS VICTORY
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 all returned to the XI, with Gaston Sirino and Flavio Silva named among the substitutes as Ethan Chislett missed out on the matchday squad.
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.
Durban 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 last 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 Durban City.
But following an opening period which was a big yawn, Lilepo threw Amakhosi in front in the 69th minute to bring some cheer inside the Calabash.
Six minutes after Mfundo Vilakazi replaced Duba, the Amajita star set up Lilepo, who beat Durban City goalkeeper Darren Keet for his third league goal of the season. Shortly after, Lilepo almost grabbed his second goal, but his effort went over the bar from the box.
Chiefs managed to cling to their slender lead, amid some dramatic clearances as Durban City relentlessly probed them in the dying minutes of the tie. Most importantly for Amakholsi were the maximum points in the bag.
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