Kaizer Chiefs’ bid to play continental football next season got a boost after they shot into the Betway Premiership top three following a 3-1 victory over Orbit College FC at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Easter Monday.
After recording identical and unconvincing 1-0 wins in their last two matches before the FIFA break, the Soweto giants built on that to secure a two-goal margin win in the Eastern Cape and climb a rung to third on the table. Having posted three consecutive league wins, they are now just behind second-placed Orlando Pirates, who have 12 points more than them.
Leaders Mamelodi Sundowns have 14 points clear of Amakhosi who have a game in hand. Monday’s result saw Orbit College remain second from the bottom with four points more than basement side Magesi FC.
Orbit coach Pogiso Makhoye dropped Lesedi Kapinga and Brian Onyango for Katlego Mkhabela and Lebohang Lesako.
With Chiefs centre-back Inacio Miguel suspended and Kwinika out injured, Given Msimango was picked to partner Aden McCarthy at the heart of defence. Thabiso Monyane was preferred at right back in place of Dillan Solomons who started the previous match against Magesi FC.
CHIEFS LAUNCH COMEBACK TO OVERPOWER ORBIT
Lesako, facing his former club Amakhosi, made the two teams’ first attempt at goal after six minutes but was denied by the upright. The effort was a hint of what was to come from the hosts who then took the lead after Mbulelo Wagaba beat Chiefs goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma after being set up by Lesako on 22 minutes.
However, the Soweto giants managed to strike back through Wandile Duba three minutes before halftime, for the two teams to go to the halftime break one apiece.
Mduduzi Shabalala then beat Orbit goalkeeper Mwenya Chibwe but saw his low shot go just wide in the 66th minute. However, Shabalala made amends two minutes later by connecting a Monyane cross, also thanks to Duba, who sold Orbit defenders a dummy to allow a smooth finish from his teammate.
The afternoon turned out to be a beautiful one for Amakhosi with a fine connection by Siphesihe Ndlovu who gave Chiefs a comfortable lead with 12 minutes remaining.
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