CHIPPA STUN CHIEFS IN PREMIER’S CUP
Kaizer Chiefs have already won two cups in pre-season, the Maize Cup and the Carling Black Label Champion Cup. However, they were unable to add a third on Saturday afternoon. Chippa United edged Amakhosi 1-0 in the Premier’s Cup at Mdantsane’s Sisa Dukashe Stadium.
Coach Steve Komphela gave quite a few players an opportunity who normally would not start, including Brilliant Khuzwayo, Kgotso Moleko, Keagan Buchanan and William Twala. A few recent signings also got an opportunity to shine, like Bongolethu Jayiya and Philani Zulu, while the Argentinean trialist Jonatan Philippe was given a chance to start up-front.
The first half was a rather quiet affair with not much goalscoring opportunities for either side. Chiefs kept it tight at the back, while the Chilli Boys were unable to penetrate the visitor’s defence.
After the break, both teams were more positively minded and adventurous in the way they attacked. The Glamour Boys made three substitutions at the start of the first half, Kgotso Malope (for Jayiya), Dumsani Zuma (for Ryan Moon) and Wiseman Meyiwa (for Willard Katsande).
Meyiwa certainly had a good game in the defensive midfield role, while Malope showed some flashes of his qualities.
Amakhosi got some chances, although, to be fair, the better goalscoring opportunities went Chippa’s way.
The Argentinean striker, meanwhile, should count himself unlucky as few chances came his way.
In the end, it was Chilli Boys substitute Katlego Mashego who scored from a brilliantly taken free-kick from just outside the box. The ball was deflected by a Chiefs defender past goalkeeper Khuzwayo.
Chippa probably deserved the win, even though Chiefs got some opportunities to score as well.
Chippa United: Mhlongo; Thopola, Macheke, Okwuosa, Mako (Maphanga 75′); Lentjies (Bereng 46′), Masuku (Mayambela 54′), Mabaso, Mbokoma; Mdlinzo, Sekola (Mashego 83′)
Kaizer Chiefs: Khuzwayo; Moleko, Gordinho, Mathoho (Ngezana 80′), Zulu (Khumalo 57′); Twala (Katsvairo 74′), Katsande (Meyiwa 46’), Buchanan, Jayiya (Malope 46′); Moon (Zuma 46′), Philippe
