Another smash and grab victory for Chiefs
Bidvest Wits . . . . . . . . . . .(0) 0 Kaizer Chiefs . . . . . . . . . .(0) 1 (Maluleka 59)
THEY are mastering smash-and-grab-type wins, and maybe that is about the only way for Kaizer Chiefs to retain this Absa Premiership title.
If Amakhosi were to go on and win their third championship in four years, this would probably be the most unfancied side to have done it come the end of the season in May.
Out of nowhere at Bidvest Stadium last night, George Maluleka scored the only goal in the match from a free kick to clinch victory for Chiefs – their third consecutive win – when Wits were more deserving of the maximum three points. It was a turning point after Wits had been denied a penalty a minute earlier by referee Victor Gomes.
Those who packed this tiny venue to capacity would have agreed that this was a onesided match until Amakhosi broke the deadlock a minute short of the hour mark.
Even then Wits still looked as if they would find the equaliser as coach Gavin Hunt rang the changes to bring on Elias Pelembe, Henrico Botes and one-time Footballer of the Year, Sibusiso Vilakazi.
His counterpart, Steve Komphela, reacted by bringing on another defender in Morgan Gould to shut up shop at the back, but goalkeeper Reyaad Pieterse still had to work to keep Chiefs in the lead.
The game was marred off the pitch by protests from Wits University students, who targeted this massive encounter to again voice their displeasure at tuition fees.
But it is the Clever Boys who have seen their title chase continue to crumble with each passing game. The defeat last night was their fifth of the season, and meant they did not close the gap on log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, whom they trail by six points.
The Brazilians face Orlando Pirates tonight, and could stretch their lead even further.
However, winners Chiefs would be hoping that is not the case. In a game that was billed a championship eliminator, Amakhosi had goalie Pieterse to thank for his contribution in the match.
His opposite number, Moeneeb Josephs, might as well have brought a picnic basket to the venue, having little to do all night.
This win is crucial for Komphela in his Chiefs tenure. For the first time since he arrived in June, his men were able to string a couple of wins together and close the gap on Wits – a good start before they aim for Sundowns in their title defence.
There were a number of contenders for man of the match, such as Paseka Sekese, who kept a cool head in the heart of midfield for Wits during their dominant display.
But it is Chiefs keeper Pieterse who stood out, saving a goal-bound header from Daine Klate in the first half. He also denied substitute Botes in the dying minutes of the match.
And when S’fiso Hlanti struck from a distance, Pieterse again helped Chiefs move to third place.