Chiefs Need Desperate Defending To Beat Durban City To End Losing Streak
Kaizer Chiefs finally breathed a sigh of relief after returning to winning ways with a 1-0 victory over Durban City in a Betway Premiership match at FNB Stadium on Sunday.
Chiefs went into the match under immense pressure after suffering four consecutive defeats in all competitions, a run that had drawn criticism from several former coaches of the club.
The victory in Soweto saw Amakhosi climb above City into fifth place on the table with 33 points from 19 matches. Durban City, meanwhile, dropped to sixth place with 32 points from 21 games, though they have impressed this season following their promotion last year.
Despite their rich history, Chiefs had never previously lost four league matches in a row, and the team entered the clash determined to end the disappointing streak.
The struggles were also reflected in the stands, with a noticeably small crowd turning out at the Calabash to support the team. Earlier, some supporters had even marched to Naturena Village demanding that co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef be dismissed.
However, Chiefs faced a confident Durban City side that had won five of their last six matches in all competitions. Caretaker coach Pitso Dladla, who recently replaced Sinethemba Badela, had guided the team through five matches unbeaten, including a run to the semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup.
Chiefs dominated possession early in the match, but City defended resolutely and ensured that goalkeeper Darren Keet was rarely troubled.
Amakhosi ended the first half on the front foot, yet City remained organised defensively, blocking several attempts on goal.
At the start of the second half, Chiefs made a tactical change as co-coaches substituted Ashley du Preez for Asanele Velebayi in search of more attacking impact. Du Preez is still searching for his first goal of the season.
Chiefs eventually broke the deadlock in the 69th minute after sustained pressure. Mfundo Vilakazi picked up the ball on the wing before drifting inside and setting up Glody Lilepo, who struck from a standing position to beat Keet.
It was a deserved goal for the home side, who had largely controlled proceedings while rarely allowing City to test Bruce Bvuma at the other end.
Lilepo has once again proven decisive for Chiefs. He also scored the last time Amakhosi won a league match — against Marumo Gallants in January — a strike that earned him the Premier Soccer League Goal of the Month award for January/February.
The Congolese forward had a chance to double the lead shortly afterwards when he broke through on goal, but fired wide with only Keet to beat.
Durban City nearly equalised late in the match when a scramble inside the box created a clear opportunity, but they somehow failed to convert despite Chiefs being under heavy pressure.
In the end, Amakhosi held on to secure a vital victory and finally end their losing streak, while handing Dladla his first defeat since taking over as City’s caretaker coach.
