Chiefs blunt Usuthu spear

Shaka Zulu, the King of the AmaZulu nation, must have been left unimpressed with how AmaZulu FC’s players performed at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Durban yesterday – a day the Zulu nation commemorated King Shaka’s passing.

The home fans were also outnumbered by Kaizer Chiefs’ fans in the visitors’ 2-0 win.

The game was really physical, with three of Amakhosi’s substitutions forced through injury and seven yellow cards issued – including to both coaches.

Usuthu had two of their goals ruled offside, ones best described as questionable calls by the match officials.

Itumeleng Khune (below) who made his long-awaited return to the Chiefs starting line-up will be happy to have kept a clean sheet on his return.

Leonardo Castro and Khama Billiat’s goals ensured the win for Chiefs which sees them joint-top of the standings with Polokwane City on 13 points after six games.

For Chiefs, Ernst Middendorp handed Yagan Sasman his debut while it was good to see Itumeleng Khune back in harness.

Chiefs started on the front foot, creating chances early on with the easiest of them falling for Lebogang Manyama as early as the fourth minute. Manyama was set up in front of Siyabonga Mbatha’s goal by a good cross from Reeve Frosler but he ballooned his shot over when it looked easier to score.

Amakhosi set up a few more attacks but could not find the right ball in the final third and Usuthu grew in confidence as the game progressed. Khune was forced into a save while off his line from an Ovidy Karuru header in the 37th minutes.

Chiefs came close again on 61 minutes with Billiat firing just wide after he only had the keeper to beat. Billiat was denied by Mbatha a minute later as Amakhosi pressed for a third.