Gladwin Shitolo’s powerful strike saw Golden Arrows beat Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Shitolo capitalized after Chiefs goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma parried a powerful shot into his path, finishing with a thunderous strike into the roof of the net.

This was the first time that Arrows had defeated Chiefs at the Moses Mabhida Stadium since the venue reopened after the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Mfundo Vilakazi was thrust into the starting lineup for Chiefs in this game, having set up the winner for Wandile Duba’s brace midweek at FNB Stadium.

This gave coach Nasreddine Nabi the confidence to start the 19-year-old. It was Vilakazi’s second start, having also started when Chiefs came from behind to draw 2-2 with Magesi in October.

The game began at a high tempo, with both sides attacking, but their goalkeepers were rarely called into action. There was plenty of broken play whenever each team advanced into the final third.

However, Chiefs had a better chance when Sibongiseni Mthethwa clipped the ball to the unmarked Inacio Miguel inside the box, but his attempted pass fell kindly into the arms of Ismail Watenga.

Mdu Shabalala, who scored a brilliant goal the last time Chiefs played at the venue, beat Watenga and was left with an open goal, but Nduduzo Sibiya recovered to clear the danger.

Shabalala again had another chance inside the box, but his attempted curler went close, and Watenga appeared to be beaten.

Chiefs were dominating at that point, while Arrows struggled to mount any attacks.

Miguel had another opportunity to give Chiefs the lead from a free kick, but it lacked power, and Watenga easily gathered the ball.

Sbonelo Cele produced a curling free kick from the edge of the box, but unfortunately, it struck the crossbar as the game went into halftime scoreless.

Chiefs coach Nabi substituted Tebogo Potsane and Njabulo Blom, replacing them with Ranga Chivaviro and Reeve Frosler, respectively, before the second half began.

However, Chivaviro had a golden opportunity to put Chiefs ahead, sprinting clear but failing to finish effectively. Fans were subsequently displeased with the former Marumo Gallants player’s performance.

However, Arrows took a shock lead in the 56th minute as Shitolo blasted the ball into the net after Bvuma parried it into the path of the Arrows defender.

Co-coaches Musa Bilankulu and Kagiso Dikgacoi remained composed and made no immediate celebrations, signaling their desire for further improvements.

At the other end, Chiefs came close to equalizing, with Frosler’s outstretched foot hitting the upright.

But the crowd, initially buzzing with excitement, grew increasingly silent as Chiefs failed to find the back of the net.

Chiefs tried desperately to equalize, with Daba squandering two chances in the final minutes, leaving coach Nabi looking dejected on the bench. It was not enough, as Arrows’ strong defense, anchored by Watenga in goal, held firm.

This was the first win for Arrows co-coaches Bilankulu and Dikgacoi since Mabhuti Khenyeza, who was also the club’s co-coach, left to join Chippa United.