Kaizer Chiefs finished the 2010-2011 season in third place after coming from a goal down to defeat AmaZulu in a drama packed last day of the season that culminated with Chiefs Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates being crowned league champions.

Amazulu took the lead in the 6th minute through Leholonolo Majoro, Chiefs fought back and Jimmy Tau brought them level with a well taken equalizer on 16 minutes.

Chiefs hard work was rewarded when striker Knowledge Musona converted an 88th minute penalty to score his 15th Absa Premiership goal of the season which completed Chiefs fight back to ensure a 2-1 win for the Amakhosi.

Amazulu had the perfect start to the game a delightful lob by Sibusiso Hadebe over the Chiefs defense, saw Majoro through on goal and with just Itumeleng Khune to beat he hit the ball wide of the Chiefs keeper to give the hosts the lead after just six minutes and somewhat against the run of play.

Chiefs kept up the pressure and ten minutes later found themselves level, Tsweu Mokoro brought down Siphiwe Tshabalala on the right, Tau took the free kick quickly playing the ball to Tshabalala who swung the ball in goal wards where Musona headed it across goal and Tau came sprinting in to knock hit home past a stranded Mbongeni Mzimela to make the scores 1-1.

Amazulu from early on in the game opted to playing with between 5-6 defenders but Chiefs managed to break them down in the 26th minute, after a melee in the Amazulu 18 yard area the ball fell to Musona on the left he struck the ball powerfully past Mzimela the keeper was beaten but the ball hit the outside of the post.

Musona was thwarted from that elusive 15th goal on 37 minutes after he had a chance cleared off the goal line by Carlington Nyandombo after Reneilwe Letsholonyane’s original free kick into the box was not dealt with by the AmaZulu defenders and the ball fell to Musona but for Nyandombo’s spectacular clearance he would have put Chiefs ahead.

While Chiefs began the second half on the offensive AmaZulu were content with attacking them on the break, the first real chance of the half came on the hour mark when Mokoro tested Khune with an angled volley from the right. Khune was able to get down and made a vital stop.

Chiefs made a host of substitutions midway through the second half and the introduction of Sthembiso Ngcobo and Mthokozisi Yende gave Chiefs extra legs up front.

Ngcobo set up Letsholonyane as he flicked a Tshabalala cross into the path of Letsholonyane but the midfielder failed to hit the target a few yards from goal in the 86th minute.

Two minutes later Ngcobo was at it again it was his attempted pass that was blocked by the hands of Mokoro and Chiefs were awarded a penalty, after instructions from the bench Musona stepped up and sent the ball past Mzimela to score his 15th goal of the season and see Chiefs through to a 2-1 win. It also means that Musona ends the campaign as the top scorer.

Ajax Cape Town drew 2-2 with Maritzburg United and Orlando Pirates defeated Golden Arrows 2-1 to win the title on goal difference while Chiefs finish third one point behind both Pirates and Ajax.

Line Up’s:

AmaZulu: 36. Mzimela, 33. Nyandombo, 25. Kasonga, 34. Zhuwawo, 14. Vilane, 32. Mokoro, 27. Khumalo, 12. Hadebe, 20. Majoro (21. Sangweni 78'), 3. G. Dlamini, 2. Shipahu ( 24. Teyise 63')

Substitutes Not Used: 30. Khuzwayo, 19. Mayongo, 11. A. Dlamini, 7. Ngxabi, 6. Hammers

Cautions: 25. Kasonga, 32 Mokoro


Coach: Manqoba Mngqithi

Chiefs: 32. Khune, 2. Tau, 3. Sweswe (11. Nale 89'), 31. Masenamela, 13. Nahayo, 6. Letsholonyane, 8. Nengomasha, 9. Dladla (10. Yende 68'), 14. Tshabalala, 22. Masango (23. Ngcobo 68'), 21. Musona

Substitutes Not Used: 16. Bartman, 35. Baloyi, 17. Lebese, 29. Jambo

Cautions: 22. Masango

Coach: Vladimir Vermezovic


Assistant Coach: Donald Ace Khuse


Goalkeeper Coach: Rainer Dinkelacker