Kaizer Chiefs reduced the gap between themselves and log leaders, Supersport United to only 4 points following an emphatic 2-1 win against rejuvenated, Bloemfontein Celtic at a packed Super Stadium in Tshwane on Saturday night.

The win saw Chiefs moving from fifth to second place after Ajax Cape Town could only manage a draw against Amazulu. 'Chiefs will have to wait and see if results of the other games to be played on Sunday, will see them holding on to the second spot.

Muhsin Ertugral had made four changes to the side that lost against Swallows at Olympia Park last week, but it was Celtic who threatened first when Mark Mayambela’s shot came off the post from a tight angle.

The Glamour Boys replied in the best way possible when Siphiwe Tshabalala’s close range shot went past goalkeeper, Patrick Tignyemb in the 10th minute. This was following a superb pass from Jose Torrealba who was making his first start since January 7, when Chiefs beat Mamelodi Sundowns.

Four minutes later, Cape Town-born Mark Mayambela grabbed an equaliser with a superb free kick just outside 18 area box making it 1-1.

The hosts, Kaizer Chiefs came close on three occasions first Siphiwe Tshabalala watched his well taken free kick going agonisingly wide of Patrick Tignyemb goals. The latter was immediately called to action minutes later when he pulled a super save to deny Abia Nale his first goal for Chiefs.

Then the Venezuelan Jose Torrealba rattled the crossbar after Celtic defence failed to clear the ball, one all by the end of first half.

The visitors, Celtic started the second stanza of the game with a vengeance and came close twice through former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Gert Schalkwvyk. The latter first watched his shot going narrowly wide. Minutes later, his shot came off the upright after Chiefs defence failed to clear the danger.

Jose Torrealba who was had a game of his life rose to highest to head Onismor Bhasera sublime cross but Patrick Tignyemb pulled a good save.

The night belonged to the Glamour Boys though, just after Celtic’s Petrus Matlatsi’s shot had come off the cross bar Chiefs substitute David Mathebula set up a winner for Kaizer Motaung Jr to score his fourth of the season. This was following a good move involving another substitute, Josta Dladla and Jose Torrealba.

Itumeleng Khune received a standing ovation from the Amakhosi who undoubtedly outnumbered the enthusiastic Siwelele supporters. Khune back after missing the last two games pulled a sublime save to deny Celtic striker, Serunkuma what could have have an equaliser in the 89th minute.

The Amakhosi will travel to Durban to meet Amazulu on Sunday, 22 February 2009. Kick off is at 15h30 at Chatsworth Stadium.

Chiefs: Khune, Matle, Bhasera, Nahayo, Rooi, Nengomasha, Zwane (Dladla 54), Torrealba (Letsholonyane 91), Nale (Mathebula 54), Motaung Jr., Tshabalala

Substitutes not used: Ngobeni, Masango, Tau, Sibeko

Technical Team


Muhsin Ertugral (Head Coach)


Fani Madida (Assistant Coach)


Rainer Dinkelacker (Goalkeeper Coach)


Elsa Storm (Fitness Trainer)

Celtic: Tignyemb, Sambu, Mototo, Motlaping, Booysen, Maduka, Nthethe, Schalkwyk, Mahlatsi (Segolela 72), Spandeel (Ramolesa 85), Mayambela (Serunkuma 80)

Substitutes not used: Stemmer, Tsabalala, Malokase, Wolff

Technical Team


Owen Da Gama (Head Coach)


Demetri Augousti (Assistant Coach)


Modise David (Assistant Coach)


Johannes Greyling (Physio)

Match Officials


Lwandile Mfiki (Referee)


Siphiwo Jibiliza (1st Assistant)


Geronimo Piedt (2nd Assistant)


Jerome Damon (4th Official)


Ian McLeod (Match Commissioner)