Chiefs are back with a bang — big time

● Khama Billiat scored twice as Kaizer Chiefs claimed a first Absa Premiership win of the season with an emphatic 4-1 success over 10-man Cape Town City yesterday.

Siyabonga Ngezana and Philani Zulu got the other goals for the Amakhosi as 35,000 fans came to the Cape Town Stadium to see the Soweto giants break their league duck under new coach Giovanni Solinas.

Former Chiefs forward Matthew Rusike scored for the home side, who also had Taariq Fielies red-carded in the second half.

Chiefs debut

Chiefs handed a debut to former City captain Lebo Manyama, while Madagascan playmaker Dax and Ugandan left-back Godfrey Walusimbi were on the bench.

The visitors started the brighter and Siphelele Ntshangase had the first sight of goal, but put his effort wide.

Chiefs grabbed the lead on 12 minutes when Ngezana headed in from close range after City failed to deal with the second ball in the box. It was his first goal since his debut against Mamelodi Sundowns a year ago.

City equalised midway through the first half when Ayanda Patosi’s corner was headed in at the near post by Rusike.

The visitors came out after the break with much more purpose and took the lead when Billiat headed past a stranded Peter Leeuwenburgh.

Billiat had another chance when he worked himself some space on the left of the box, but he skewed his shot wide.

City were dealt a further blow when Fielies was sent off for a second bookable offence, though it took the frantic pleas of Chiefs players for referee Thando Ndzandzeka to issue the red card after not realising he had booked the player in the first half.

City substitute Gift Links showed skill in the box to work a shooting chance for himself, but fired straight at Itumeleng Khune.

Billiat made the points safe with an easy finish with 10 minutes remaining. Zulu put the cherry on top.