Chiefs impressive in battle to tame Stars

THREE wins in a row brings just a hint of confidence to Kaizer Chiefs, and with it, they edge towards greater fluency, as was the the case on Wednesday night in their 2-0 Premier Soccer League victory against Free State Stars.

Willard Katsande’s opener from the penalty spot in the 10th minute put Chiefs in a tentative ascendancy at James Motlatsi Stadium in Orkney that was confirmed when Mitchell Katsvairo steered in a second in the 64th.

In-between those goals, there was plenty of work to do. Never an easy side to beat, Stars under caretaker coach Themba Sithole always seemed likely to put up a fight against the gradually, but steadily, improving Amakhosi.

And that was the case from the side from the Free State, who sacked their French coach Denis Lavagne after their first three matches last week.

Chiefs came to earn a crucial three points in whichever manner was necessary as they inch themselves towards some sort of form.

They battled for everything against an energetic Stars who fought for every ball in the first half. In the second, Steve Komphela’s men even found some sort of rhythm to their game.

After their poor start to the season, Chiefs have been content to grit out victories as much as anything else.

They scrapped to a 1-0 lead by the break on Wednesday night. It was George Lebese’s skill in left midfield that set up a perfect start for Amakhosi.

Meanwhile, Lamontville Golden Arrows missed out on setting a new club record on Wednesday, as they squandered a late penalty and were held to a 1-1 home draw by 10man SuperSport United at a rainy Princess Magogo Stadium.

Arrows have never won four successive league matches but after three wins in a row at the start of the new campaign were hoping to set a new mark for the club against an injury-depleted SuperSport.

They went behind to SuperSport, but pulled level and were then handed an advantage when fullback Onismor Bhasera was redcarded in the 66th minute after two bookings. With Mark Gleeson