Kaizer Chiefs have officially been crowned Absa Premiership champions. Before the trophy was handed over, Amakhosi beat Chippa United 2-0 on their home ground, Port Elizabeth’s Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. The goals were scored by Mandla Masango and Willard Katsande.

Amakhosi Stuart Baxter made a few changes compared to the team that lost 2-1 to Bidvest Wits in mid-week.

Masango, Brilliant Khuzwayo and Lorenzo Gordinho all started against Chippa with George Maluleka and Reyaad Pieterse being benched. Gordinho partnered captain Tefu Mashamaite in central defence, replacing the injured Erick Mathoho.

Chippa needed at least a point from this match to stave off relegation.

However, it was the visitors who went in attack from the moment the referee blew his whistle. Reneilwe Letsholonyane released a powerful shot at goal inside the first three minutes, but the shot went wide.

The home side, however, didn’t sit idle and they got a marvellous opportunity to open the score in the ninth minute, but luckily, from a Chiefs perspective, the powerful header from Chippa’s defender Erick Chipeta flew past the wrong side of the goalpost.

Four minutes later, Khuzwayo did brilliantly in a one-on-one situation to stop a Chippa attacker from putting the ball into the net.

There was a fantastic atmosphere in the sold out Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium with the Amakhosi supporters having come to the game in huge numbers, easily outnumbering the home side.

In the 25th minute the goal finally came, thanks to Mandla Masango, who fantastically headed in the ball from close range, leaving the Chippa goalkeeper no chance. Bernard Parker provided the assist.

Eleven minutes later the second followed with Willard Katsande finishing from close range as an expert striker. The cross was provided from the right by Masango.

The second half started a bit differently than the first with the Chippa players realising that they needed a point to make sure being safe from relegation. They fought hard for every ball, creating a few excellent chances and even scoring a goal. However, the linesman had already waved his flag by the time the ball rolled into the net.

After about ten minutes the Chippa attacks faded somewhat and Chiefs took the game by the neck again.

Captain Tefu Mashamaite was as usual this season a rock in defence, positioning himself well and winning balls, while Katsande was being Katsande, closing down gaps and being the excellent workhorse that coaches love and whom fans sometimes overlook.

When it comes to attack, Masango had a fine match, not only scoring the opener, but also delivering the assist for the second. Siphiwe Tshabalala, meanwhile, worked tremendously hard, being everywhere where some inspiration was needed on the field.

Coach Baxter introduced two fresh players in the 74th minute, bringing on George Maluleka and Hendrick Ekstein for Reneilwe Letsholonyane and Tshabalala.

A set-back came in the 88th minute when Mashamaite was judged by the referee to have brought down Chippa’s William Twala in the box. Erick Chipeta, however, failed to convert the penalty, hitting instead the goalpost.

It was a well-deserved victory for the Amakhosi in a brilliant atmosphere at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Mashamaite was selected as the Man of the Match for a fine performance.

The party to celebrate having won the 2014/2015 Absa Premiership has begun.

Chippa United 0

Kaizer Chiefs (2) 2 (Masango 25’, Katsande 36’)

Kaizer Chiefs: Khuzwayo, Gaxa, Mashamaite, Gordinho, Masilela, Masango, Katsande, Letsholonyane (Maluleka 74’), Tshabalala (Ekstein 74’), Parker, Rusike (Zulu 84’)

Chippa United: Motsoeneng, Sambu, Chipeta, Okwuosa, Barends (Sali 46’), Twala, Moholo, Cloete, Shai (Akpabio 46’), Cele, Mnqele (Mtule 81’)