Kaizer Chiefs DDC beat Orlando Pirates as Neo Bohloko scores twice

Kaizer Chiefs DDC began their campaign with a 3-2 victory over Orlando Pirates at Princess Magogo Stadium on Sunday, with captain Neo Bohloko scoring twice in an entertaining contest.

Samkelo Msimango also found the net for the Glamour Boys, while Siyabonga Ngwenya and Lwandle Nzimande replied for the Buccaneers.

The opening stages were cautious as both teams sought to settle without conceding an early goal. The match gradually opened up, with Chiefs and Pirates becoming more confident in possession and increasingly willing to commit players forward.

Chiefs took the lead in the 28th minute after Tristan O’Malley made a mistake. Bohloko took advantage by hitting a long-range shot which travelled over goalkeeper Viwe Fetsha and into the net.

The captain struck again six minutes later to give Amakhosi a two-goal advantage. Msimango then added a third in the 39th minute, leaving Pirates with a significant deficit to overcome before half-time.

The Buccaneers continued to create opportunities as they looked for a way back into the match, but initially could not turn their pressure into a goal. Their persistence finally brought a reward when Ngwenya connected with a well-struck volley to make it 3-1.

Pirates were handed another opportunity when Ngwenya was brought down inside the penalty area. Nzimande took responsibility from the spot and calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way, reducing the deficit to one goal.

Ezimnyama Ngenkani pressed forward in search of an equaliser as their confidence grew. Chiefs were dealt a late setback when Emile Dortley was sent off in the 90th minute, but they held on to secure maximum points against their arch-rivals.

Other Sunday results

TS Galaxy 1-0 Polokwane City

Richards Bay 2-0 Milford

Saturday results

Siwelele 0-1 Sekhukhune United

Kruger United 2-0 Marumo Gallants

Durban City 2-4 Mamelodi Sundowns

Chippa United 2-1 Stellenbosch

AmaZulu 2-0 Golden Arrows