Kaizer Chiefs beat Siwelele to keep pace with Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates

Kaizer Chiefs tightened the pressure on the teams above them in the championship race with a 3-2 victory over Siwelele at a cold and rain-soaked Dobsonville Stadium.

Thousands of supporters braved the difficult conditions to back the hosts, who made the stronger start and controlled much of the first half. Lebohang Maboe and Siphesihle Ndlovu dominated the midfield battle against Siwelele’s Shandrack Kobedi and Relebohile Makhuoane, winning the majority of the duels and providing a platform for Chiefs to attack.

The visitors struggled to make regular progress into the Chiefs penalty area, while the Soweto club repeatedly found openings in the Siwelele defence. Mfundo Vilakazi and Mduduzi Shabalala were central to Chiefs’ direct attacking approach, with Pule Mmodi and Dillan Solomons also making an impact from the wide areas.

Chiefs’ pressure was rewarded after 30 minutes. Maboe created the opportunity with a well-timed pass, allowing Vilakazi to lift the ball over the advancing Siwelele goalkeeper Samkelo Xulu and put the home side ahead.

The hosts remained the more convincing team after the interval and extended their advantage in the 65th minute. Wandile Duba produced a superb back-heeled finish past Xulu, a strike that could be considered a contender for Goal of the Season.

Siwelele responded almost immediately, with Aphiwe Baliti reducing the deficit three minutes later. Chiefs restored their two-goal cushion in the 77th minute when Faiz Abraham’s free-kick took a deflection off Xulu and found its way into the net.

The visitors did not give up and scored again in stoppage time through Hamza Issah, but Chiefs held on to claim a 3-2 win and remain in touch with championship-chasing Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.

Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz continued to show faith in goalkeeper Brandon Petersen, retaining him in the starting line-up despite a run of errors in recent matches.

Da Cruz also kept the three-centre-back system he had used in the previous two matches against Mamelodi Sundowns and Richards Bay. Zitha Kwinika, Thabo Moloisane and Inacio Miguel formed the defensive trio as Chiefs again adopted the same structure.

Siwelele manager Lehlohonolo Seema, meanwhile, made several changes to the side that drew 1-1 at home against Chippa United nearly a fortnight earlier.

Among the alterations were the inclusion of Thabiso Sesane and Blessing Thulo, who replaced Njabulo Ngcobo and Grant Margeman in the starting line-up.