Kaizer Chiefs secured a narrow 1-0 victory over relegation-threatened Magesi at FNB Stadium on Tuesday, with Ashley du Preez’s second-half strike proving decisive.
Despite a lackluster display, coach Nasreddine Nabi’s side managed to grind out three crucial points in the South African Premier Division.
Chiefs overcome struggles to secure win
Chiefs entered the match aware of the challenges they would face, particularly after Magesi’s determined performance in the Carling Knockout final against Mamelodi Sundowns.
Nabi acknowledged that his team found it difficult to impose themselves, especially after a much-improved showing in their narrow 1-0 defeat to Sundowns in their previous outing.
“We knew it was going to be a tough game,” Nabi told SuperSport TV after the match. “We saw their performance in the Carling Knockout final against Mamelodi Sundowns, and we knew it was going to be a tough game, even for us.”
The first half saw Chiefs struggle to break down a disciplined Magesi defense.
Their difficulties were compounded by the absence of key players, including Tashreeq Matthews, who was sidelined with an injury sustained against Sundowns.
Midfielders Gaston Sirino and Thabo Cele were also unavailable due to suspension, while defender Rushwin Dortley was replaced in the lineup by Given Msimango.
“Having a lot of changes in the starting line-up meant that we struggled a bit in the first half to take the initiative and get going, but we were better in the second half,” Nabi explained.
Du Preez delivers match-winner
The breakthrough came after halftime when Du Preez, a former Stellenbosch player, was introduced as a substitute.
In a dramatic impact, he scored with his very first touch, securing all three points for Chiefs.
While the performance lacked fluidity, the victory was all that mattered for Nabi’s side as they continue their push up the table.
“In these kinds of games, what matters is the three points to move forward,” he added.
League standings and implications
The win lifts Chiefs to eighth place in the league, with 28 points from 20 matches.
Meanwhile, Magesi remains in deep trouble near the foot of the table, sitting second from last with just 17 points from 21 games.
With the season progressing, Chiefs will aim to build on this result as they seek to climb the standings, while Magesi faces an increasingly difficult battle to avoid relegation.
