Kaizer Chiefs, while not particularly enterprising, returned to winning ways with Ashley du Preez’s solitary goal securing a victory against a determined Magesi side at FNB Stadium on Tuesday.

Du Preez, formerly of Stellenbosch, entered the match as a second-half substitute and made an immediate impact, scoring with his first touch to give Chiefs all three points.

However, Chiefs’ performance lacked assertiveness, despite their recent 1-0 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns. This win snapped a two-game losing streak, which included a 4-1 home defeat to SuperSport United.

While Chiefs were looking to bounce back from those losses, Magesi arrived with high morale after a weekend victory over SuperSport.

Chiefs were without Tashreeq Matthews, who was injured against Sundowns, as well as the suspended Gaston Sirino and Thabo Cele. Rushwin Dortley was also absent, with Given Msimango taking his place.

In contrast to their previous 2-2 draw at Peter Mokaba Stadium, where Magesi’s two-goal lead was overturned by Chiefs, this match began with a subdued atmosphere at the nearly empty FNB Stadium.

Ranga Chivaviro forced Magesi goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze into a save in the 18th minute, tipping a powerful shot over the bar.

Magesi proved to be a resilient opponent, limiting Chiefs’ attacking opportunities. Chiefs’ youngster Mfundo Vilakazi had a shot blocked just outside the box, as Magesi defenders threw themselves in front of the ball.

Chiefs attempted a clever free kick through Yusuf Maart to Glody Lilepo, but Lilepo’s backheel attempt lacked power, allowing Chipezeze to make a comfortable save.

Despite dominating possession, Chiefs failed to score in the first half and lacked the intensity they displayed against Sundowns.

Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi made three substitutions at halftime, replacing Vilakazi, Njabulo Blom, and Reeve Frosler with Mduzuzi Shabalala, Dillan Solomons, and George Matlou, indicating his dissatisfaction with their first-half performance.

Magesi made their first substitutions on the hour mark, bringing on Deolin Mekoa and Rhulani Manzini for Given Mashikinya and Gift Motupa.

In the 65th minute, Chivaviro turned and shot wide from inside the box.

Moments later, Nabi replaced Chivaviro with Du Preez, a substitution that proved decisive. Lilepo’s cutback found Du Preez, who side-footed the ball home in the 69th minute, giving Chiefs the lead.

Mmodi came close to extending Chiefs’ lead, but his shot struck the post after beating Chipezeze.

The win leaves Chiefs in eighth place with 28 points from 20 matches. Magesi remain second from bottom with 17 points from 21 matches.