Kaizer Chiefs beat Chippa United 1-0 in an Absa Premiership match at home at Polokwane’s Peter Mokaba Stadium on a chilly Saturday evening. Bernard Parker scored the winner, which was a beauty. The Amakhosi are on top of the league log with 40 points from 16 matches.

Parker, Mandla Masango and Erick Mathoho were back in the team in comparison with Tuesday’s 2-2 draw against Platinum Stars. Meanwhile, Itumeleng Khune returned to the squad for the first time since his injury, having to sit on the bench though.

This season’s Absa Premiership newcomers are a bit of a surprise package so far. Because, instead of fighting relegation, what most soccer followers thought would happen, Chippa were in sixth position on the league log before the Amakhosi encounter.

And also against Chiefs, the Port Elizabeth-based team didn’t come to just defend. Instead, Amakhosi goalkeeper Brilliant Khuzwayo was tested a few times with long range shots early on. But the shot-stopper ably handled these attempts at goal.

However, it was the home side that got the best chance to open the score in the 14th minute, when striker Kingston Nkhatha was one-on-one with the Chippa goalkeeper, but the Zimbabwean failed to slot the ball in the goal.

Five minutes later, it was Mathoho who had a great opportunity. However, miraculously, the ball failed to end up in the back of the net.

During the second phase of the first half, the quality of play became a bit sloppy from both sides.

Meanwhile, the injured Willard Katsande had to come off in the 32 minute. He was replaced by Ivan Bukenya, who came on for the fourth time this season.

Amakhosi coach Stuart Baxter didn’t make any further substitutions at the start of the second half, despite having had George Maluleka warm-up just before the break.

There was some more positive aggression and intent early on in the second half from the Chiefs side. It all resulted in the opening goal in the 56th minute with Parker coolly putting the ball past the Chippa goalkeeper, 1-0.

Soon hereafter, George Maluleka, who had just come on, could have scored the second, but he failed to finish from close range.

The crowd at the Peter Mokaba Stadium came now in full force behind the home side with some singing in addition to the blowing of the Vuvuzela. It cared for a fantastic atmosphere.

There was a bit of a scare when Parker went down injured, but, luckily, the ever dangerous striker was able to continue playing.

Chippa, however, didn’t give up and tried to come back. On the other hand, Chiefs looked dangerous whenever counter-attacking.

All in all, the Amakhosi deserved the three points.

Chiefs will host Free State Stars at Polokwane’s Peter Mokaba Stadium on Tuesday, 16 December (kick-off at 18:00).

Kaizer Chiefs (0) 1 (Parker 56’)

Chippa United 0

Kaizer Chiefs: Khuzwayo, Gaxa, Mashamaite, Mathoho, Masilela, Masango, Letsholonyane, Katsande (Bukenya 32’), Tshabalala (Maluleka 57’), Parker, Nkhatha (Mthembu 80’)

Chippa United: Mzimela, Barends, Okwuosa, Komane, Sambo (Moholo 49’), Twala, Mbenyane, Sangweni, Uzochukwu, Akpabio (Cele 66’), Zulu (Sibeko 53’)