Kaizer Chiefs held by Stellenbosch as Mamelodi Sundowns strengthen early lead

Kaizer Chiefs missed the chance to close the gap on Mamelodi Sundowns after being held to a 1-1 draw by Stellenbosch at FNB Stadium in the Betway Premiership.

Mduduzi Shabalala cancelled out Sinoxolo Kwayiba’s early second-half goal, but the result leaves Kaizer Chiefs fourth in the table on 14 points from three wins and five draws.

At the same time, leaders Mamelodi Sundowns recorded a 4-1 victory over Richards Bay in Durban to move to 22 points from seven wins and one draw. Their latest success followed their victory over Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final and continued their dominance in South African football.

Both teams remain unbeaten in the league, but Kaizer Chiefs are struggling to turn promising performances into victories. The draw at the Calabash will have felt like a defeat, particularly with a win potentially serving as an early birthday present for chairman and founder Kaizer Motaung, whose special day is on October 16.

Coach Fernando da Cruz had previously questioned whether his side could maintain the same intensity as Mamelodi Sundowns throughout the season. Their display against Stellenbosch suggested that his concerns were justified, with Kaizer Chiefs lacking the fluency and urgency required to control the match.

Da Cruz selected four full-backs, with Paseka Mako used as a wing-back and Reeve Frosler deployed in central midfield. Injuries to regulars Lebohang Maboe and Siphesihle Ndlovu may have influenced those decisions, but Ethan Chislett, Luke Baartman and Asanele Velebayi were all left on the bench.

The unfamiliar structure appeared to unsettle the home side. Kwayiba was a persistent threat for Stellenbosch and nearly opened the scoring before half-time, when his close-range effort struck the post and was cleared.

Kaizer Chiefs almost responded immediately. Wandile Duba beat the offside trap and found himself one-on-one with Sage Stephens, but the goalkeeper narrowed the angle and turned the shot behind for a corner.

Stellenbosch finally took the lead three minutes after the interval. Kwayiba controlled Terrence Mashego’s pass inside the area, opened up his body and fired into the roof of the net.

Home supporters became increasingly frustrated as Kaizer Chiefs failed to raise the tempo, with some gesturing towards the bench for changes. Their mood briefly lifted when Shabalala equalised in the 70th minute.

Frosler sent a carefully weighted pass into his path and Shabalala drove forward before cutting inside and finishing accurately past the stationary Stephens at the near post.

Da Cruz then introduced Flavio Silva and Chislett for Shabalala and Duba, but the substitutions were met by further jeers. Discontent continued after referee Sikhumbuzo Gasa reversed an initial penalty decision following a discussion with his assistant.

Kaizer Chiefs ultimately had to settle for another draw, underlining the distance between them and a Mamelodi Sundowns side continuing to set the pace.