Duba double sends Kaizer Chiefs top after opening-day win

Kaizer Chiefs began their Betway Premiership campaign with a 3-1 victory over newly promoted Kruger United at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday night, with Wandile Duba scoring twice to move the Soweto club to the top of the early table.

Flavio Silva put Kaizer Chiefs ahead after only six minutes, finishing first time into the far corner after a quick exchange between Siphesihle Ndlovu and Mfundo Vilakazi. The goal was Silva’s first of the season.

Chiefs made the stronger start and immediately put Kruger United under pressure. The attacking combination of Ethan Chislett, Vilakazi and Ryan Baartman helped the visitors keep play high up the pitch, while the top-flight debutants struggled to build attacks without surrendering possession.

The visitors appeared to be in control for most of the first half, but Kruger United levelled in stoppage time. Midfielder Khethukuthula Ndlovu collected a long pass, drove into the penalty area and curled an effort into the far corner against the run of play.

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz responded by making changes, bringing on Wandile Duba and Sibongiseni Mthethwa. The decision quickly paid off, with Duba restoring the visitors’ advantage 10 minutes after the interval.

The forward finished from close range after Chiefs applied sustained pressure, giving the visitors the lead for a second time.

Duba doubled the advantage in the 66th minute. Lebohang Maboe won possession high up the pitch before releasing Duba, whose first-time shot took a deflection on its way past goalkeeper Dandjinou.

The third goal effectively ended Kruger United’s hopes of taking anything from the match. Kaizer Chiefs were able to move the ball around with greater comfort for the remainder of the contest and still created a couple of half-chances.

The result was a positive response from Da Cruz’s side after Kruger United had threatened to take advantage of their equaliser. Chiefs now lead the table because they scored three goals, compared with two for rivals Orlando Pirates.

Ryan Baartman, Zitha Kwinika and Wandile Duba were included in the Kaizer Chiefs starting line-up following the previous weekend’s victory over Scottland FC in the Toyota Cup. Siphesihle Ndlovu replaced new signing Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko, who was not included in the matchday squad.

Kruger United’s next fixtures are against Marumo Gallants, Milford FC and Durban City. Kaizer Chiefs will face Golden Arrows in the MTN8 before games against Sekhukhune United and Mamelodi Sundowns.