Chiefs went into the lead after 13 minutes with Lucky Maselesele connecting well to a cross from Stanton Fredericks but Stars persistently attacked Brian Baloyi's goal until their were rewarded with a soft penalty in the 20th minute.

Amakhosi Chiefs were penalised for a handball in what appeared to be a harsh decision as it was a case of ball to hand when the ball hit Goldstone as Mabedi tried to clear.

Joel Seroba converted the spot kick and the home side kept the visitors on their toes and forced to defend with their backs against the wall.

Midfield sensation Jabu Pule made way for another midfield genius Thabiso Malatsi in the 17th minute in a forced substitution, as Pule appeared to have picked up a groin injury earlier in the opening minutes of the game.

Nine minutes later Mabedi made a vital clearance to thwart Stars.

Chiefs were back in the lead after 63 minutes with second half substitute Arthur Zwane, who replaced Rodney Thobejane in the 53rd minute, supplying a cross and Fredericks who fired fast Aime Kitenge. Seven minutes later Malatsi had a fair chance but his effort went just wide.

Referee Lawrence Monnathoko almost stole the show in the first half as he flashed five yellow card and his unnecessary near confrontation with Chiefs coach Muhsin Ertugral on the half hour mark.

Chiefs rested some of their key players in anticipation of their Mandela Cup clash against Club Africain of Tunisia in the Mandela Cup on Sunday.

Marco Mthembu was out with a lung infection, Phumlani Mkhize out injured while Nhlanhla Kubeka was left out as coach Muhsin Ertugral set into motion his rotation plan.

Former captain Doctor Khumalo’s absence on the line-up is no longer a mystery as the veteran plays a crucial role in the technical team.

Former Stars defender Rodney Thobejane got a run against his former teammates and his first touch almost let him down as he conceded a first minute corner but the Chiefs defence cleared any possible danger from the corner.

Stars coach Shepard Murape had a few surprises with Capetonian Xolani Jilavane, signed only a day ago from a team in Malta, made the starting line-up ahead of stars like Tony Illodigwe and Fees Moloi.

Stars coach made a double-substitution at the beginning of the second half with former Chiefs marksman Tony Illodigwe coming on for Jilavane and Robson Muchichwa for Jacob Machaka and Chiefs always looked in danger when Stars when on the offensive.

The victory came a few hours after Ertugral was honoured as the Castle Premiership coach of the month and this will be a huge morale booster as the Naturena side prepare for Club Afrcain on Sunday in the Mandela Cup.

Teams:

Ria Stars: 41-Aime Kitenge, 29-Siphiwe Mkhonza, 17-Double Mathope, 18-Hillary Makasa, 16-Abednigo Netshodwe, 32-Elasto Kapowezina, 12-Thapelo Liau, 23-Frank Makua, 34-Xolani Jilavane (Tony Illodigwe 46th), 3-Jacob Machaka (Robson Muchichwa 46th), 26-Joel Seroba (Fess Moloi 65th).

Yellow cards: Lungu 22nd, Netshodwe 26, Jilazane 40, Illodigwe 73

Kaizer Chiefs: 16-Brian Baloyi, 3-Rodney Thobejane (Arthur Zwane 53rd), 4-Cyril Nzama, 29-Gary Goldstone, 5-Patrick Mabedi, 10-Stanton Fredericks, 27-Gerald Sibeko (Nhlanhla Mathebula 72nd), 23-Jossias Macamo, 20-Kenny Niemach, 11-Jabu Pule (Thabiso Malatsi 17th), 9-Lucky Maselesele.

Yellow cards: Macamo 25, Fredericks 28

Referee: Lawrence Monnathoko.