Wandile Duba scored twice as Kaizer Chiefs celebrated their 55th anniversary with a 2-1 victory over Stellenbosch FC in a Betway Premiership match at FNB Stadium on Wednesday.

The first goal for the Chiefs graduate came from a header, guiding the ball home in the first half after Stellenbosch had taken the lead through Khomotso Lekoloane.

Duba’s second goal arrived in the second half, as he beat the offside trap before unleashing a powerful shot past the goalkeeper Sage Stephens. This victory moved Chiefs up to fifth place in the league table.

Chiefs were eager to secure a victory to commemorate their 55th anniversary, which was celebrated on Monday. Founded in 1970 by club chairman Dr. Kaizer Motaung, Chiefs are the most successful club in South African football history, with over 90 trophies to their name, including the CAF Winners’ Cup (now the CAF Confederation Cup) in 2001.

Chiefs could have taken the lead early on. In the sixth minute, Duba played a reverse pass to the onrushing Bradley Cross, but the left-back fired his shot over the bar.

Devin Titus then forced a save from Bruce Bvuma in the 18th minute. Two minutes later, Stellenbosch capitalized on a defensive error. Jayden Adams split the Chiefs defense, setting up Titus, who chipped the ball over Bvuma, and Lekoloane finished from close range to give the visitors the lead.

In the 29th minute, Duba equalized for Chiefs, heading home from a recycled corner, leaving the Stellenbosch defense bewildered.

Unhappy with his side’s performance, Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi made a double substitution in the 30th minute. He replaced Cross, who had missed the early chance, and Ashley du Preez with Tebogo Potsane and Mfundo Vilakazi, respectively. As Cross left the field, Nabi calmly explained his decision to the player.

The second half saw a more open and exciting contest, with both teams pushing forward.

Vilakazi’s introduction appeared to inspire Chiefs, as they regained the lead in the 57th minute. Duba expertly peeled away from the Stellenbosch defense and drilled a shot past Stephens.

Stellenbosch almost equalized immediately when Ibraheem Jabaar unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the box, but Bruce Bvuma made a fantastic save to tip the ball away.

Stellenbosch continued to press, with Sanele Barns striking the crossbar from the free kick. Godswill Enyinnaya’s follow-up shot was also saved by Bvuma, who produced a series of impressive saves to keep his team ahead.

Ultimately, Chiefs secured the victory they craved, moving them up to fifth place in the table with 18 points from 12 matches. Stellenbosch dropped to sixth place with 16 points from 11 matches.

In another match played on Wednesday, Sekhukhune United defeated AmaZulu 2-0 at King Zwelithini Stadium.