Kaizer Chiefs celebrated their 55th anniversary in style, securing a 2-1 victory over Stellenbosch FC in a thrilling Betway Premiership encounter at FNB Stadium on Wednesday.
A brace from Wandile Duba proved decisive as the team climbed to fifth place in the league standings.
The evening began on a rocky note for the Chiefs, as Stellenbosch capitalized on a defensive lapse to take an early lead.
Khomotso Lekoloane pounced on a mistake, putting the visitors ahead and silencing the jubilant home crowd.
However, the Chiefs were quick to respond. In the 29th minute, Wandile Duba leveled the score, seizing on a poorly cleared corner to head the ball into the net.
The equalizer reignited the team’s momentum and gave the fans reason to cheer on this momentous occasion.
Head coach Nasreddine Nabi, visibly dissatisfied with his team’s initial performance, made two substitutions just a minute after the equalizer.
Speaking about the changes, Nabi remarked, “It was a tactical adjustment.
The players understood the decision, and it was important to get the balance right.
The second half saw Kaizer Chiefs dominate proceedings, with Duba stepping up once again.
In the 57th minute, the forward broke through Stellenbosch’s defensive line, expertly beating the offside trap before unleashing a powerful shot past the goalkeeper to give the Chiefs a 2-1 lead.
Stellenbosch fought valiantly to find an equalizer, testing Chiefs goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma on multiple occasions.
Bvuma’s sharp reflexes and critical saves ensured the home side retained their advantage.
The victory marked a fitting tribute to the club’s storied legacy, which began in 1970 when Dr. Kaizer Motaung founded what would become South Africa’s most successful football team, boasting a staggering collection of over 90 trophies.
Reflecting on the milestone, a club representative commented, “This win is special.
It’s not just about the three points; it’s about honoring 55 years of history and the fans who have supported us through every step.
The result lifts Kaizer Chiefs to fifth in the league with 18 points from 12 matches, while Stellenbosch slips to sixth.
In another fixture on the same evening, Sekhukhune United edged past AmaZulu with a narrow 1-0 victory.
For the Chiefs, the anniversary celebrations could not have been sweeter, with the win serving as both a morale boost and a reminder of the club’s enduring legacy in South African football.
