Although Chiefs have played three matches fewer than Pirates, their performance against Rangers and the manner in which they twice surrendered their lead, makes it somewhat difficult to believe that they can gain maximum points from those games in hand.

With most of the regular players like captain Patrick Mabedi, midfielders John Moshoeu and

Tinashe Nengomasha excluded from the team due to injuries and fatigue, the youngsters that were entrusted with the responsibility almost came close to securing the the much-needed victory.

Winger Arthur Zwane provided the inspiration with his relentless runs against the Rangers defence. His efforts bore fruit on 26 minutes with his second goal in two matches.

The speedy winger started the move from the middle of the park, going through the middle channel. He played a lovely one-two with Zambian striker Collins Mbesuma before finishing off the move with a fine low short to Chad Harpur’s left.

The Amakhosi defence, as has been the case in the previous two matches (Moroka Swallows and Dynamos), lowered their guard and Rangers struck through Francois Mpessa a minute before the break. The Cameroonian defender fired home a half-clearance from Bevan Fransman to cancel off the deficit.

However, Chiefs were back in the driving seat shortly after the break. Amakhosi keeper Rowen Fernandez played in a long punt and in an apparent attempt to clear Mpessa headed the ball in the path of left-footed Mbesuma who did not hesitate to riffle home his 10th league goal of the season with a crisp right foot.

While Rangers were still nursing their pain, Chiefs almost struck their third three minutes later after Emmanuel Ngobese had released David Radebe with a quick through pass, but the Rangers keeper was alert and quickly came off his line to stop the danger.

Once Rangers had recovered from their shock, following Amakhosi’s second goal, the Durban side saw an opportunity and sought to exploit the weaknesses in the Chiefs defence. In fact it took them exactly minutes from the Chiefs goal to cancel the deficit for the second time.

Man-of-the-match Alton Meiring used his head to punish Chiefs on 67 minutes following a great cross from the Edson Mhinga. Fernandez came out for the high ball but Meiring did well sneak the ball home.

Both defences were less convincing and the match could have gone either way. Rangers badly needed victory to move away from the drop zone while Chiefs equally required maximum points to reduce the gap that exists between them and leaders Pirates.

After this weekend’s results, which saw other potential title hopefuls, Swallows and Sundowns, playing out a 0-0 draw, Pirates remain firm favourites to lift their third Castle Premiership title in five years.