Chiefs derail runaway Wits train as Free State Stars overcome Maritzburg

Bidvest Stadium Wits 0

Kaizer Chiefs (0) 2 Castro 57, Ekstein 78

KAIZER CHIEFS derailed what looked like a runaway train in the PSL title race with a victory over early-pacesetters Wits.

Yesterday’s win moved Amakhosi up to fifth position on the league standings as they did the championship challengers a favour by handing Wits only their fourth defeat of the season. Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp retained the formation he used against Mamelodi Sundowns. The German started with three centre-backs and gave the fullbacks freedom to go forward. Virgil Vries kept his place in goal despite his howler against Sundowns costing Amakhosi the match.

The Namibian goalkeeper looked confident. He wasn’t rattled even when his own fans jeered him for taking long with his goal kicks. Vries wasn’t the only one who lacked urgency. Both teams started at a pedestrian pace even though there was a lot to play for. Wits were fighting to increase their lead at the summit that was cut to two points after Orlando Pirates beat Highlands Park on Tuesday.

Chiefs took the lead through Leonardo Castro. The Amakhosi forward connected with a loose ball that was played into the box by Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya. That goal gave Amakhosi fans life in the stands. They found their voices and cheered their team on, competing with Wits’ brass-band that plays nonstop. Chiefs supporters didn’t win the battle but they were audible.

They wouldn’t have minded because their team were winning the battle on the pitch after being frustrated for almost an hour by the best defence in the league. Castro’s goal ignited Amakhosi. They attacked with more energy and determination. The Colombian’s goal also opened up the match. Wits took the game to Amakhosi in search of an equaliser. They committed more men forward, opening spaces that Chiefs exploited with their pace.

Amakhosi caught Wits with a swift counter to seal the match and secure three points. Hendrick Ekstein found the back of the net and gave Chiefs a much-needed win ahead of their trip to Ndola to take on Zesco United in the Caf Confederation Cup playoffs on Sunday. The match ended in chaos with Wits’ players storming referee Victor Gomes who sent off Robyn Johannes in the last minute of optional time. Other score: Maritzburg 1 FS Stars 2