A first half strike from midfielder David Mathebula and a goal late in the second half from striker Songwe Chalwe ensured a comfortable victory for the Amakhosi over Bloemfontein Celtic. The game played in a friendly atmosphere at the Eastern Province Rugby Stadium in Port Elizabeth on Saturday Evening, was watched by a healthy crowed made up mainly of Chiefs supporters who spurred the Amakhosi on with some incessant chanting.

Chiefs started off the game at a pedestrian pace, and carved out their first opportunity ten minutes into the game when David Mathebula shot wide from distance, five minutes later Mathebula had more luck when David Obua played a short pass to him and he fired the ball home from the edge of the eighteen yard area. On the half hour mark Chiefs could have doubled their lead, three players starting with David Mathebula saw their close range efforts saved by Postnett Omony in the Celtic goal. As half time approached Rotson Kilambe had an opportunity to level matters he was tackled by Patrick Mayo at the crucial moment to ensure Chiefs kept their lead going in to the break.

In the second half the two coaches decided to change things around, for Celtic the changes had no real effect as Chiefs continued to dominate the game. Celtic were gifted a goal scoring opportunity just half the hour mark when Patrick Mabedi slipped to allow, Sashi Chalwe to pass to Jury Merahe whose shot was well stopped by an inspired Rowen Fernandez.

As the game entered the final ten minutes Celtic resigned themselves to defeat, the Amakhosi took advantage and were duly rewarded when Omony could only parry Rene Richards shot and Songwe Chalwe followed up on the rebound and slotted the ball home from close range. There was still time for coach Ernst Middendorp to introduce Ugandan international Daniel Obuta and give him a run, Obuta David Obua’s national team mate has been on trial with Chiefs for the past week.

For Chiefs victory over Celtic with a strong and an inspired performance from his charges was the morale boosting tonic coach Ernst Middendorp was looking for as Chiefs try an build up moment for when they resume the defence of their PSL title on the 15TH February.

Starting Line Up’s: Kaizer Chiefs: 1. R. Fernandez, 5. P. Mabedi, 21. P. Mayo, 13. D. Obua, 4. C. Nzama, 18. A. Zwane (23. Mzizi 67 min), D. Spencer (19. Obuta 83 min), 91. J.S. Moshoeu (22. Sikhakhane 83 min), 24. D. Mathebula, 7. K. Motaung Jnr, 31. D. Radebe (10. Chalwe 45 min)

Substitutes:
30. T. Mathibe, 10. S. Chalwe, 23. L. Mzizi, 6. F.McCarthy, 17. R. Richards, 19. D.Obuta, 22.N. Sikhakhane

Bloemfontein Celtic: 31. P. Omony, 28. G.Goldstone, 14. L. Seema, 12. J. Madidilane, 4. A. Nteo (16. Chalwe 45 min), 9. J. Merahe (8. Smit 80 min), 10. K. Taaibos

(20. Mothlaping 88 min), 11. M. Spandeel (25. Mothibantwa 64 min), 19.R. Kilambe (16. Chalwe 45 min)

Substitutes: 20. J.Mothlaping, 25.L. Mothibantwa, 8. G. Smit, 26. L. Kukame, 2. T. Nthete, 16. S. Chalwe

Yellow Cards: Celtic 25. Mothibantwa 65 min

Referee: Ace Ncobo


Assisitant 1: Welcome Jacobs


Assistant 2: Luyanda Tshula


4th Official: Vusumuzi Gibe