Chiefs Thrash Gallants To Maintain Perfect DDC Start
Kaizer Chiefs continued their impressive start to the DStv Diski Challenge season with a convincing 4-0 victory over Marumo Gallants at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium during Saturday afternoon’s festival show.
Amakhosi went into the match looking to make it four wins from four games, and they achieved their target to remain the only team with a 100% record this season. Following the victory, coach Vela Khumalo’s side stayed top of the standings with 12 points.
The Phefeni Glamour Boys made a bright start, putting their opponents under pressure from the opening minutes. Their efforts paid off in the 13th minute when Keitumetse Lesia opened the scoring with a right-footed effort from inside the box, directing the ball into the centre of the goal. Matala Makhubo provided the assist with a well-timed through ball.
Chiefs continued to dominate proceedings and doubled their lead in the 30th minute through Tashiel Rugunanan. The young left-back found the back of the net with a left-footed free-kick to give Amakhosi a comfortable advantage heading into the break.
The goal was also a special moment in Rugunanan’s development at the club. He progressed through the Chiefs youth structures, representing the club at U13, U15 and U17 level before being promoted to the reserve team this season.
After the interval, Chiefs maintained the tempo they had established in the first half and extended their lead in the 49th minute through Steven Mendes.
The goal came after Mendes pressed goalkeeper Morwasi Semenya, putting him under pressure as he attempted to clear the ball. Semenya’s clearance struck Mendes and rebounded into the net, giving Chiefs their third goal of the afternoon.
Just 10 minutes later, Amakhosi added a fourth through Makhubo. The winger finished with a right-footed effort from inside the box, directing the ball into the centre of the goal.
Neo Bohloko played an important role in the build-up after his attempted shot was blocked. The ball fell back to him, and he opted to pass to Makhubo, who made no mistake in finding the net.
Chiefs continued to impress throughout the remainder of the match but were unable to add to their tally. The contest ended 4-0, extending Khumalo’s side’s perfect start to the season to four wins from four matches.
Sekhukhune pile more misery on Chippa
In another match at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium during Saturday’s festival show, Sekhukhune United claimed a convincing 4-1 victory over Chippa United.
The result extended a difficult start to the season for veteran coach Dan Malesela, whose Chippa side have now conceded 16 goals in four matches.
The Chilli Boys previously suffered a heavy 9-2 defeat against Golden Arrows and also lost 2-0 to Siwelele. They conceded twice in their opening match against Stellenbosch but managed to secure a 2-1 victory.
Their defensive struggles have continued, with the latest defeat against Sekhukhune adding to an already challenging start to their campaign.
Arrows win derby as AmaZulu suffer first defeat
Elsewhere, Golden Arrows claimed a 1-0 victory over Richards Bay in the KwaZulu-Natal derby at Princess Magogo Stadium.
AmaZulu, meanwhile, suffered their first defeat of the season after going down 2-1 to Polokwane City at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.
The defeat also marked the first time AmaZulu had conceded a goal this season, bringing an end to their impressive defensive record in the opening rounds of the campaign.
Pirates and Sundowns in action on Sunday
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) reserve league action continues on Sunday, with the festival show featuring two matches at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium.
The first encounter will see defending champions Orlando Pirates take on Kruger United before TS Galaxy face Mamelodi Sundowns in the final match at the venue.
The remaining two fixtures will take place at other venues, with another KwaZulu-Natal derby scheduled for Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium, where Durban City will meet Milford.
Meanwhile, two-time DStv Diski Challenge champions Stellenbosch will host Siwelele at Idas Valley Sports Ground as the weekend’s reserve league action continues.
