Shabalala Inspires Chiefs To Big Win Over Orbit College

Mdu Shabalala stole the show as Kaizer Chiefs cruised to a convincing 4-1 victory over Orbit College in the Betway Premiership at FNB Stadium on Tuesday night, moving up to second place in the standings.

It was no surprise when Shabalala was named Man of the Match, having been directly involved in all four of Chiefs’ goals in the game.

The result sees Amakhosi draw level on 22 points with Mamelodi Sundowns, who remain top on goal difference. Both teams have played 11 matches, while third-placed Sekhukhune United trail by one point and Orlando Pirates, in fourth, sit three points behind with two games in hand, including their clash against Golden Arrows in Durban on Wednesday.

Chiefs’ co-coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze kept faith with Mfundo Vilakazi, who earned his third consecutive start, while Asanele Velebayi was handed a place on the right flank following his lively cameo against AS Simba in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Hero of the previous match, Flavio da Silva, who netted a late winner against Durban City at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, started from the bench, while Etiosa Ighodaro retained his place as the lone striker.

Chiefs came into the match boasting a strong home record, having lost just once at FNB Stadium this season — against Sekhukhune in August — while Orbit’s poor away form continued, with only one win from five outings.

Amakhosi got off to a dream start when Thabiso Monyane squared the ball for Shabalala, who coolly side-footed home at the near post in the fourth minute, leaving goalkeeper Sabelo Nkomo rooted to the spot.

Monyane nearly doubled the lead early in the second half after being picked out by Velebayi, but his effort was well saved by Nkomo. Ighodaro also came close after a powerful run into the box but couldn’t apply the finishing touch.

The second goal eventually arrived in the 61st minute. Nkomo initially denied Ighodaro from close range, but Shabalala was alert to the rebound, slotting home his second of the night.

Despite being second best throughout, Orbit found a lifeline in the 70th minute when Ayanda Lukhele, who came on as a substitute, capitalized on a defensive lapse from Aden McCarthy to pull one back.

However, Chiefs quickly restored their dominance just three minutes later. Shabalala, already on a brace, turned provider for Vilakazi, who produced a composed curling finish to make it 3-1.

In the closing stages, Flavio da Silva sealed the emphatic win in the 89th minute after Shabalala’s clever touch deflected the ball into his path, allowing the Portuguese-born forward to tap into an empty net.

It was Da Silva’s fourth goal of the season, making him Chiefs’ leading scorer so far.