Kaizer Chiefs survive Siwelele comeback to climb back to third

Kaizer Chiefs held off a late Siwelele FC fightback to win 3-2 at Dobsonville Stadium and return to third place in the Betway Premiership, preserving their unbeaten start to the PSL season.

The match was played in cold and wet conditions in Soweto, where Chiefs appeared to be in control after goals from Mfundo Vilakazi, Wandile Duba and Faiz Abrahams. However, Aphiwe Baliti and Yao Evrard N’guessan reduced the deficit and ensured a tense finish.

The result moves Amakhosi to within two points of reigning champions Orlando Pirates after five rounds of matches. Orlando Pirates remain second, while Mamelodi Sundowns lead the standings with 16 points, although they have played one match more than the Buccaneers, who are three points behind the leaders.

Chiefs went into the match aware that victory would keep them close to the two clubs that have dominated South African football over the past four seasons. Coach Fernando da Cruz continued with the 3-4-3 system he had used to compensate for a shortage of left-backs, although that particular injury problem had eased.

The Frenchman selected Zitha Kwinika, Thabo Moloisane and Inacio Miguel as his three centre-backs. The system offered Chiefs greater defensive cover while also giving their wide players more freedom to attack.

Dillan Solomons, Vilakazi and Pule Mmodi found space on the flanks, and Chiefs made use of that freedom when they opened the scoring. Lebo Maboe delivered a precise pass behind the Siwelele defence, sending Vilakazi through at the right moment.

The Chiefs winger reached the ball before the covering defenders and lifted a clever finish over goalkeeper Samkelo Xulu. Thabiso Sesane attempted to race back towards the goal, while Wandile Duba stayed close enough to ensure the effort was not challenged without interfering with Vilakazi’s finish.

The opener reflected Chiefs’ dominance of possession, with Siwelele largely content to sit back and look for opportunities on the counter-attack. The Bloemfontein-based side had expected the Soweto club to begin aggressively after Chiefs’ previous two matches had ended in draws against Mamelodi Sundowns and Richards Bay FC.

Those dropped points had disrupted Chiefs’ attempt to maintain a strong early challenge to Sundowns and Orlando Pirates. Siwelele’s defensive plan also relied heavily on catching Duba offside, and it worked twice before the striker finally timed his movement perfectly.

Just after the hour mark, Duba stayed level with the last defender and finished to give Chiefs a 2-0 advantage. Siwelele responded almost immediately, with Baliti scoring two minutes later. The defender had earlier been the player who kept Duba onside, but he now helped revive his side’s hopes.

The goal gave Siwelele renewed energy, although they were unable to take full advantage of a Chiefs defence that has conceded regularly and kept only one clean sheet in six matches in all competitions.

Chiefs restored their two-goal cushion when Faiz Abrahams scored with 14 minutes remaining. Siwelele refused to surrender, however, and Yao Evrard N’guessan marked his first kick for his new club with a goal to make it 3-2.

That dream start for N’guessan was ultimately overshadowed by defeat, as Chiefs managed the closing stages to secure maximum points. The performance again showed both sides of Amakhosi’s season: defensive weaknesses remain, but the team also displayed enough character and control to deserve the victory.

For more Kaizer Chiefs coverage, visit the News24local soccer page.