It was sweet revenge for Kaizer Chiefs when they beat Jomo Cosmos 2-0 in a Castle Premiership clash at Olympia Park on Saturday for their fourth win of the season inspired by veteran midfielder John "Shoes" Moshoeu.

Round One of their encounter two weeks ago ended in controversial fashion in the Coca-Cola Cup with Cosmos winning 1-0 to pocket the R2 million prize money.

Moshoeu will celebrate his 37th birthday on Monday and perhaps as an early present, stand-in coaches Doctor Khumalo and Ace Khuse started with the hardworking veteran midfielder - his first start since rejoining Amakhosi after a nine-year sojourn in Europe.

Chiefs went into the game without the services of key midfielders Thabo Mooki with injury and Tenashe Nengomashe on suspension. This however, opened up opportunities for Moshoeu and Patrick Mbuthu in the starting team and they never disappointed.

Moshoeu needed just six minutes to make his presence felt with a delightful goal. A good run by Phumlani Mkhize, who laid the ball through the middle and striker Kabamba Musasa sold a dummy to the Cosmos defenders who dully complied to ease the attention off Moshoeu.

The Chiefs early goal was a clear indication of a great teamwork and high tactical discipline - two main factors that were missing in their 0-0 draw against Sundowns in midweek.

At the back goalkeeper Brian Baloyi was simply outstanding and was voted man of the match for his solid performance. Malawian defender Patrick Mabedi was also unflinching and gave his fellow countryman and Cosmos danger man Esau Kanyenda little room to maneuver.

Kanyenda along with his striking partner Tico-Tico Bucuane were also denied a scoring opportunity for the first time in 12 matches as Cosmos succumbed to their third league defeat of the season so far.

But it was also tactics that played a crucial role in Amakhosi’s fourth league win of the season and a five-match unbeaten run for Khumalo and Khuse. The presence of Moshoeu in midfield gave Chiefs the controlling power with effective passes through to the front line.

The Amakhosi technical team made an early substitution on 23 minutes with striker David Radebe coming on for Phumlani Mkhize, who missed a sitter on 13 minutes after a good delivery by Musasa. This forced Cosmos to alter their plans with Bafana defender Teboho Mokoena coming on for Innocent Ntsume to counter the Chiefs pace.

But Chiefs were unstoppable on the day, buoyed by their enthusiastic supporters, to overcome Cosmos with Radebe stretching the lead 11 minutes into the second half to kill of the Ezenkosi resistance.

Amakhosi - who will play Manning Rangers away from home next Sunday before their Christmas recess - moved from 12th to eight on the log with this win while Ezenkosi - who will be at home to Wits in the same day - remained on fifth.

Teams:

Kaizer Chiefs: Brian Baloyi, Patrick Mabedi, Fabian McCarthy, Cyril Nzama, Buti Sithole (Josias Macamo 90), Patrick Mbuthu, John Moshoeu, Arthur Zwane, Jabu Pule (Stanton Fredericks 83), Phumlani Mkhize (David Radebe 23), Kabamba Musasa.

Jomo Cosmos: Avril Phali, Lucas Tlhomelang, Andrew Rabutla, Thabang Molefe, Innocent Ntsume, Dikgang Mabalane, Sam Magalefa, Lucky Mhlathe (Clint Sephadi 51), Bamuza Sono, Tico-Tico Bucuane, Esau Kanyenda, Kangwana Basilepo.

Referee: Simon Motau