Amakhosi Falter As Chili Boys Secure PSL Survival
Kaizer Chiefs once again ended the season with a whimper, going down 1-0 to Chippa United at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, as the Gqeberha-based side secured their top-flight status.
Sinoxolo Kwayiba scored the game’s only goal in the first half, helping Brandon Truter’s side avoid relegation despite the club’s numerous coaching changes throughout the season.
Chippa ended the campaign in 13th position with 28 points, four ahead of bottom-placed Orbit College, who were relegated, and Magesi, who finished 15th and will compete in the promotion/relegation playoffs.
Last season, Chiefs also ended their campaign without a win. The last time Amakhosi won their final match of the season was during the 2020/21 campaign, when they defeated TS Galaxy.
Chiefs, who had already secured third place heading into the match, handed fringe players an opportunity for game time.
Among those given a chance were Luke Baartman, Takalani Mazhamba, and Naledi Hlongwane.
Meanwhile, Chippa — who only needed a draw to guarantee survival — came into the match under newly appointed coach Truter, who replaced caretaker coach Nkosikhona Dikela.
The club’s coaching carousel this season also included Sinethemba Badela, Musa Nyatama, Morgan Mammila, Luc Eymael, and Vusi Vilakazi.
The revolving door in the technical team left Chippa among the relegation candidates, with the side sitting 13th on the table with 25 points heading into the final match.
Despite the numerous changes, Chiefs started brightly and attacked Chippa with intent.
Baartman, who has struggled for game time, had an early sight at goal but blasted wide from a tight angle.
Kwayiba then delivered a teasing free kick after Mazhamba rushed out to block Justice Figuareido’s run, with the effort going agonisingly wide.
Chippa eventually made their pressure count when Figuareido broke down the left flank and set up Sammy Seabi, who had been left unmarked and finished from close range in the 33rd minute to hand the visitors a shock lead.
It was all Chippa afterwards, with Sergio Kammies unleashing a powerful effort from close range, but Mazhamba reacted well to palm it away.
Azola Matrose also caused problems inside the Chiefs penalty area, with his shot cleared off the line by Asanele Velebayi as Amakhosi scrambled to clear the danger.
Chippa were the stronger side in the first half, while Chiefs struggled to create meaningful attacking opportunities at the other end.
Velebayi later picked out Baartman with a cross to the back post, but the youngster headed wide when he should have done better.
But Chiefs won’t care with a loss as they came to this game having secured the third place and highest points tally of over 50 since 2019/20 season.
