Kaizer Chiefs beat Sekhukhune United to strengthen grip on top spot

Kaizer Chiefs recovered from their MTN8 disappointment by defeating Sekhukhune United 2-0 in the Betway Premiership on Wednesday, a result that keeps them at the top of the table.

Luke Baartman opened the scoring in the 63rd minute before substitute Mduduzi Shabalala added a second 21 minutes later to secure back-to-back league victories for Fernando da Cruz’s side.

The result came just three days after Chiefs suffered a surprise first-round MTN8 exit against Golden Arrows. Sekhukhune, managed by Cedric Kaze, had also been involved in a demanding cup tie, requiring extra time to overcome AmaZulu in their MTN8 match.

Chiefs made two changes to the approach that had been used in their previous two games. Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko was unavailable, with Mthethwa returning to the starting line-up, while Etiosa Ighodaro replaced Wandile Duba as Chiefs adopted a more direct style of play.

Sekhukhune were not put under sustained pressure during the opening stages, and Chiefs struggled to translate possession into clear attacking opportunities. Langelihle Phili, Baartman and Asanele Velebayi were unable to find a route through a well-organised Sekhukhune defence for much of the first half.

Da Cruz opted not to make any changes at the interval, but the pattern of the match remained largely unchanged after the restart. Ighodaro was often isolated and appeared increasingly frustrated by the lack of service in and around the penalty area.

The breakthrough eventually came through an outstanding individual contribution from right-back Dillan Solomons. He carried the ball into the box with a determined run before finding Baartman, who met the delivery first time and placed his finish into the far corner.

Sekhukhune responded by committing more players forward during the final 15 minutes as they pursued an equaliser. That left space for Chiefs to exploit, and they put the result beyond doubt in the 84th minute.

Ndlovu supplied a superb pass for Shabalala, who had come off the bench, and the midfielder kept his composure to guide the ball into the far corner.

The victory gives Chiefs consecutive wins in the Premiership and strengthens their position at the summit. Their attention now turns to a major league meeting with rivals Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday afternoon.