Vilakazi strike helps Kaizer Chiefs return to third in Betway Premiership

Kaizer Chiefs climbed back into third place in the Betway Premiership after a 3-2 victory over Siwelele at Dobsonville Stadium on a storm-hit Sunday afternoon.

The match was played despite several days of heavy rain across Gauteng, with the condition of the pitch allowing the fixture to go ahead as scheduled. The work of the groundsmen in Soweto ensured the game could be completed despite the difficult weather.

Chiefs were making their first appearance at Dobsonville Stadium since last season’s CAF Confederation Cup qualifiers. Their return was necessary because the Springboks were hosting New Zealand at FNB Stadium the previous day as part of the Greatest Rivalry Test Tour.

Head coach Fernando da Cruz named a youthful Chiefs side for the contest, with Siwelele still looking for their first victory of the season after five matches. Academy graduates Mduduzi Shabalala, Wandile Duba and Mfundo Vilakazi were selected as the front three.

Chiefs were also forced to cope without a recognised fit left-back available to start for Amakhosi. Despite that, they took control before half-time.

Vilakazi opened the scoring after the half-hour mark. He reacted quickly to prod the ball beyond the advancing Samukele Xulu, who had moved outside his penalty area. Chiefs protected their advantage through to the interval.

The visitors doubled their lead after the break through Duba. Shabalala delivered a precise cross, and Duba finished with a backheel that sent the ball beyond Xulu.

Siwelele responded soon afterwards when Aphiwe Baliti reduced the deficit with the first professional goal of his career. The 24-year-old, who is currently on loan from Orlando Pirates, showed composure inside the area before beating Brandon Petersen with a well-placed finish.

Chiefs then restored their two-goal advantage after Da Cruz turned to his substitutes and introduced new signing Faiz Abrahams. His long-range free-kick struck the post before rebounding onto Xulu, giving the goalkeeper little chance and likely resulting in the goal being recorded as an own goal.

Siwelele continued to push for a way back into the match and were rewarded in the 92nd minute. New signing Michel NGuessan scored with his first touch in PSL football after coming off the bench, making the closing stages tense for Chiefs.

However, the late goal came too late to change the result, and Amakhosi held on for three points.

The victory moved Kaizer Chiefs above AmaZulu in the standings and extended their unbeaten start to the season. They now have three wins and two draws from five matches, leaving them five points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who have played one match more.