Old guard shows Chiefs they still have plenty to offer club

Kaizer Chiefs had to turn to the old guard to hand them a much-needed win and a little pre-Christmas cheer as Siphiwe Tshabalala came off the bench to score a rare headed goal and hand coach Steve Komphela relief as they beat his former club Platinum Stars at the Royal Bafokeng Sport Palace last night.

He stooped low to nod home a perfect cross from Philani Zulu after 72 minutes to break the stalemate and put Chiefs back up among the frontrunners, even if it was their first victory in six league games. They are up to 19 points.

It was only after Tshabalala and Bernard Parker, both dropped from the starting lineup, came on as early changes in the second half that Chiefs came to life.

They proved their importance to the club when their legs are no longer able to provide a consistent performance. But they still have match-winning ability that Chiefs desperately need in this time of turmoil.

Chiefs, after losing in midweek at Chippa United, failed to create any shots on goal in the first half as they laboured despite a lion’s share of the possession against their hosts.

The current malaise blighting the domestic game, devoid of goals, entertainment and spark, was all too vividly illustrated in a boring first half

There was an air of caution, even nervousness about Chiefs’ approach, looking too scared to try anything innovative should it backfire. But they still managed to turn over possession frequently, miscue their passes and fail to set up any decent chances.

But once Parker and Tshabalala were on, it was a whole different side as the two veterans sent a clear message to their coach about their longevity.

Stars, just above the relegation zone, sat back with bodies behind the ball when they were without possession but also had some chances which they squandered.

Stars had their first opportunity after 12 minutes but Bongi Ntuli was too selfish as he cut in and hit the ball into the side netting when a shot to the far post or a square ball inside to a teammate could have led to a goal.

Ntuli sprinted from his own half to set up a 33rd-minute chance for Robert Ngambi, who blasted wide with an unusually poor effort.

The Malawian captain then missed again when young Katlego Otladisa set him up with an inviting cross six minutes before half time.

He also had a header in the second half that might have put Stars ahead but in the end they did not look anything like the home side and rather the relegation-haunted side they are.

Coach Roger de Sa said his side looked “fatigued”.

Chiefs finish the year at home to Ajax Cape Town next Saturday night and Stars must go to fellow strugglers Wits at the same time.