Posted in News on Jan 17, 2016.
Kaizer Chiefs beat Bloemfontein Celtic 1-0 in an Absa Premiership match at the Free State Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The goal was scored by Willard Katsande from the penalty spot after debutant William Twala had been brought down in the box.
Sula Matovu was handed his first start of the season by coach Steve Komphela, as George Lebese was still out injured.
The match was tight during the first half with Celtic closing down the Amakhosi players very quickly.
Still, there were some opportunities that came the visitors’ way. Firstly, a ferocious shot by George Maluleka from outside the box touched the side netting of the goal.
There was also a good interchange in the 35th minute between Camaldine Abraw and Siphiwe Tshabalala, which led to a header from Tshabalala (good save goalkeeper) and a shot at goal from Maluleka (missing the target).
Celtic had their chances as well, but with Reyaad Pieterse proving to be in fine form, the goalkeeper blocked the ball a few times from hitting the back of the net.
Chiefs upped the tempo in the second half, which resulted in more chances, dominating the possession of the ball.
Abraw got another opportunity, while Reneilwe Letsholonyane’s powerful shot from outside the box flew just over the crossbar.
Newly signed William Twala was brought on in the 56th minute - his debut for the Glamour Boys.
The winger didn’t waste much time before getting into action, hitting the post with a well-directed shot in the 70th minute.
A minute hereafter, Twala was pushed in the back by a Celtic defender when he was about to head the ball at goal.
Referee Thando Ndzandzeka had no other option than to point to the penalty spot.
Katsande took the ball, put it on the spot and coolly finished in the 72nd minute, 1-0.
The home side tried to come back, but there weren’t any real goal scoring opportunities.
It was a well-deserved win for Chiefs. Tshabalala was selected as the Man of the Match for a captain’s performance.
Amakhosi are in fourth position on the Absa Premiership with 25 points from 14 matches. The Brazilians are still on top of the log with 30 points (also from 14 games).
Next up for Chiefs is an Absa Premiership match against Platinum Stars at home away from home at the Cape Town Stadium in the Cape of Love & Peace on Sunday, 24 January (kick-off is at 15:30).
Kaizer Chiefs (0) 1 (Katsande, pen 72’)
Bloemfontein Celtic 0
Kaizer Chiefs:
Bloemfontein Celtic: Tignyemb; Morena, Rikhotso, Ndengane, Lubisi (Lakay 89’); Jooste, April, Nyatama, Shikweni (Ntanga 63’); Lamalo, Mhango (Pelembe 73’)
