Posted in News on Dec 21, 2002.
Rangers went into this match with the dubious honour of having never beaten Amakhosi since the inception of the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
Certainly not the type of statistic that a coach would want to go into a match with to motivate his squad, but it was the reality that Rangers coach Clive Barker had to face in
this encounter.
But on the field, Rangers had to contend with the silky skills of Jabu Pule, who gave Rangers a torrid time down the left hand side of the field, with his skill and pace.
Chiefs had several chances during the match, with striker Phumlani Mkhize coming close on a couple of occasions.
In the 34th minute the striker wasted a good chance as he shot over the top, when a bit of composure would have seen him give his side the lead.
Soon afterwards, Pule also came close, but he took also shot over the top, letting Rangers off the hook. Chiefs had a bit of a scare when star goalkeeper Brian Baloyi was injured in
a collision with a Rangers player, but he was soon back on his feet, and alright.
Just before the break Pule floated in a great cross that Mkhize glanced wide of Khwenenyane, though it looked as if the goalkeeper had the ball covered.
In the 50th minute Chiefs looked unfortunate not too have been awarded a penalty when Ace Mbuthu was brought down in the box.
Pule came close later again, and near the end the little master combined well with substitute Stanton Fredricks, and David Hadebe, but Hadebe was unable to take advantage of the situation.
Rangers also had their fair share of chances, but at the end of the day neither side’s forwards had their scoring boots on.
Teams:
Rangers: Khwenenyane, Molapo, Bobbs, Nduti, Ndzudzo, Stuart (Noge), Nombe, Trigo, Mokgotjo (Larsen), Meiring (Jordan), Mushangazike.
Chiefs: Baloyi, Nzama, Buti Sithole, McCarthy, Mabedi, Moshoeu (Malatsi), Pule, Mkhize (Radebe), Mbuthu, Musasa, Zwane (Fredericks).
Ref: Monnathoko
