Chippa United claimed a crucial 1-0 victory over Kaizer Chiefs at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday afternoon to save their status in the Betway Premiership.
The Chilli Boys scored the solitary goal in the first-half courtesy of Sammy Seabi, who pounced from a square pass from Justice Figuareid. Chippa needed to walk away with three points to avoid finishing in the bottom two on the log.
Chiefs hosted Chippa in Durban in the final match of the 2025/26 season, looking to end the season on a high with maximum points.
The Soweto giants made wholesale changes to their usual starting line-up, giving rare starts to players who have struggled for regular playing minutes in the current campaign.
Having secured a top-three finish on the league table and qualified for the CAF Confederation Cup next season, Chiefs co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef started the match with fringe players such as Takalani Mazhamba, Luke Baartman, Asanele Velebayi, and Naledi Hlongwane.
On the other hand, the Chilli Boys brought in experienced coach Brandon Truter to help the side avoid relegation in the last match of the campaign. While Chiefs have already sealed their top three spot, for Chippa it’s a make-or-break match as they looked to retain their status in the SA’s top-flight.
In the opening, both teams had a go at each other, creating several scoring opportunities; however, they lacked the sharpness to bury the chances in the final third.
SAMMY SEABI SCORED THE ALL-IMPORTANT GOAL FOR CHIPPA UNITED
The away side found the back of the net on the 33rd minute with a close-range finish from former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Sammy Seabi to give Chippa a 1-0 lead going into the half-time break.
In the second-half, Chippa continued to play with intent while Chiefs found to fight an equalising however, the Soweto giants couldn’t hit the back of the net.
While Amakhosi made attempts to bring the scoreline back to level matters, Chippa produced a gallant fight in defense, with the goalkeeper, Dumisani Msibi, pulling off great saves.
The Chippa Mpengesi-owned team held on to their narrow 1-0 lead to collect maximum points against Kaizer Chiefs and finished 13th on the log with 28 points in 30 matches.
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