Kaizer Chiefs have qualified for the CAF Confederation Cup for the second time in a row after their 2-0 win over Sekhukhune United in the Betway Premiership at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Sunday evening.
With this victory, Chiefs climbed to 51 points, leaving fourth-placed AmaZulu [44 points] in their wake. Even with a perfect run in their remaining fixtures, Usuthu can only amass a maximum of 50 points, mathematically confirming Chiefs’ continental status.
Amakhosi began the encounter on the front foot, commanding the lion’s share of possession. The Chiefs technical team signalled their intent by fielding an attack-minded midfield, handing starts to Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Sibongiseni Mthethwa, and Gaston Sirino. The trio came into the side for Mduduzi Shabalala, Lebohang Maboe, and Siphesihle Ndlovu following the midweek clash against Mamelodi Sundowns.
The changes were forced by a mounting casualty list; Shabalala remains sidelined after undergoing surgery for an injury sustained against Masandawana, joining Maboe in the treatment room. Meanwhile, Ndlovu missed the trip to Polokwane to serve a one-match suspension.
While the Glamour Boys dominated the early tempo, they found Babina Noko’s defensive block—marshalled by the veteran Daniel Cardoso—difficult to dismantle. Sekhukhune remained disciplined and content to absorb pressure, frustrating a Chiefs frontline that frequently lacked the clinical final ball required to breach the home side’s rearguard.
SEKHUKHUNE UNITED AND KAIZER CHIEFS LEVEL AT HALF-TIME
The encounter went into the tunnel with the sides deadlocked at 0-0. While the opening 45 minutes remained a cagey tactical battle with limited goal-scoring opportunities, the contest opened up significantly in the second stanza.
Pule Mmodi and Makabi Lilepo attempted to inject pace into the Chiefs’ flanks, yet Sekhukhune shot-stopper Toaster Nsabata was rarely tested by anything of great difficulty. At the other end, Sekhukhune looked a threat on the counter-attack, but the Amakhosi rearguard remained resolute in their pursuit of a clean sheet.
However, the deadlock was finally shattered in the 86th minute when Tashreeq Morris found the back of the net to give Amakhosi the lead. Mfundo Vilakazi then doubled the advantage in the dying moments of the showdown to put the result beyond doubt.
The victory also snaps a frustrating streak of draws for the Soweto giants and officially confirms their return to continental football with two games to spare.
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