Substitute goalkeeper Brandon Petersen proved the hero for Kaizer Chiefs as he made two saves in the penalty shoot-out to secure a 4-3 victory for his side following a pulsating 0-0 draw with Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates in the 2021 Carling Black Label Cup on Sunday.
Both sides had chances to win it in the 90 minutes in what was a hugely entertaining derby played for the first time behind closed doors at the Orlando Stadium, but Petersen wrapped up a fourth title for Chiefs in the prestigious fixture having replaced the equally brilliant Itumeleng Khune late on.
Petersen, who has only recently joined Chiefs, made saves from Ntsikelelo Nyauza and Wayde Jooste to secure the win for the AmaKhosi and give them a massive boost ahead of the new season.
It was a fantastic occasion for Chiefs Champion Coach Morena Mofokeng from Katlehong and his Pirates counterpart Nick McKenzie from Newlands in Johannesburg, who took their place on the bench to try and help steer their sides to victory.
The fans of the Soweto giants voted for two strong line-ups, which included a joint record seventh start for Chiefs goalkeeper Khune, though for the first time he did not garner the most votes for the AmaKhosi. That honour went to striker Samir Nurkovic, who is a firm fan-favourite at Naturena.
Khune joined current Pirates captain Happy Jele, who was not fit to play in this game, and former Buccaneers midfielder Oupa Manyisa on seven starts.
The first real shot in anger came with a long-range effort from Nurkovic, that floated wide, while at the other end Thembinkosi Lorch had a free-kick in a good position but could not beat the Chiefs wall.
Pirates were beginning to take charge and when Fortune Makaringe was teed-up in the box by Lorch, but his effort went into the side-netting.
Pirates full-back Jooste also found himself in a decent position on the angle, but his attempted cross was gobbled up by the experienced Khune, who got his positioning spot on.
Happy Mashiane had a free-kick for Chiefs that was comfortably saved by Pirates goalkeeper Richard Ofori, but the best chance of the half came with three minutes to the break when Lorch cut inside from the left-wing and unleashed a powerful drive that was beaten away by Khune.
The teams went to the break at 0-0, but fans at home voted for the substitutions they wanted to be made on 50 minutes.
Chiefs fans voted for exciting winger Kgaogelo Sekgota as he entered the field in the place of Lebohang Lesako, while Pirates supporters called on Siphesihle Ndlovu, who replaced Thabang Monare.
Chiefs were inches away from taking the lead when Mashiane’s free-kick from a tight angle almost caught Ofori out, but the Ghanaian was able to make the save and Pirates scrambled the ball clear.
At the other end, it was Pirates who went close as Lorch’s shot was deflected just wide of the of the post with Khune beaten.
Chiefs made a quadruple change as they brought on new signings Phathutshedzo Nange, Sifiso Hlanti and Cole Alexander, as well as veteran Bernard Parker.
Alexander almost made an immediate impact as he was handed a chance after the ball was headed into his path by Khama Billiat, but his goal-bound shot was deflected wide.
Khune rolled back the years for a brilliant stop at the other end as he denied Lorch, who had the goal at his mercy, but his low drive was superbly saved by the Bafana Bafana international.
The chances kept coming as youngster Sabelo Radebe saw his shot blocked, but then followed up with a second go that was inches wide with Ofori beaten.
And then the a huge chance for Chiefs to take the lead as a flowing AmaKhosi move ended with Radebe’s shot deflecting onto the hand of Nyauza and referee Thando Ndzandzeka pointed to the spot.
But Daniel Cardoso saw his effort from 12-yards saved by Ofori, who dived low to his left.
Chiefs substitute goalkeeper Brandon Petersen, who was given a chance in the place of the excellent Khune, also made an outstanding stop to deny Tebogo Tlolane from youngster Boitumelo Radiopane’s inviting cross.
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