Kaizer Chiefs thumped Free State Stars 4-0 in an Absa Premiership match at the FNB Stadium on Saturday evening. The visitors scored twice an own goal, while George Lebese netted the second and Siphiwe Tshabalala the fourth. Bongani Ndulula made his debut wearing the Gold and Black jersey.

Amakhosi started against Ea Lla Koto with the same line-up as in last week’s 1-1 draw against Bloemfontein Celtic in the first leg of the MTN8 semifinal.

Newly signed striker Ndulula was in the squad for the first time this season, starting on the bench.

Chiefs didn’t allow Stars much ball possession in the early stages of the game. The home side pushed forward, creating several small opportunities with the best being a Bernard Parker header. The ball, however, failed to hit the back of the net.

There was good off the ball movement up front, which created problems for the visitors. Especially Parker and Lebese looked lively, while Siphelele Mthembu worked hard, often creating space for his teammates to run into.

Both sides got a chance to score in the 20th minute. First it was Reneilwe Letsholonyane who powered in a shot from distance, but the ball went straight into the hands of the Stars goalkeeper.

Accordingly, the best opportunity to open the score arrived for Sthembiso Ngcobo, swerving into the Chiefs box. Itumeleng Khune, however, made an excellent save.

Ea Lla Koto came more and more forward the longer the first half progressed. But it was the home side that scored the opener in the 34th minute. Siboniso Gaxa sprinted from the flank into the box, going as well past a Stars defender, crossed the ball, which, thanks to Robert Sankara’s back heel ended into the back of the net. It’s an own goal for the unfortunate Ivorian defender.

Eight minutes later the lead increased to 2-0. Captain Tshabalala dribbled from the right towards the box, before giving an excellent through ball to Lebese, who slotted the ball easily past the Stars goalkeeper.

There was rain about two hours before the game started in Johannesburg, but suddenly it rained goals at the FNB Stadium, as the third Chiefs goal arrived in injury time of the first half. Again, it was an own goal. This time it was Liberty Chakoroma, who chipped the ball over his own goalkeeper, who had come out diving to the ground, when under heavy pressure from Mthembu, who had a fine game.

Stars tried to come back in the opening stages of the first half, although Chiefs had a few opportunities to extend the lead.

The second half was more evenly matched. Stars got some more chances, but Khune showed why he’s Bafana Bafana’s No 1 goalkeeper, having a great game.

Ndulula, who had recovered from injury, was handed his official Chiefs debut in the 66th minute, replacing Mthembu.

Chiefs got their fourth goal a minute later. It was a stunner. Tshabalala hit the ball from about 35 metres on the bounce straight over the Stars goalkeeper into the goal.

The Amakhosi captain nearly added another goal soon thereafter. He sprinted into the box with the ball, before kicking the ball straight into the hands of Johnny Mathole.

Tshabalala had a superb game against his former club, deservedly being selected as the Man of the Match.

Another chance came the captain’s way in the 78th minute, but his curling ball towards the inside of the left goalpost was well pushed away to corner by the Ea Lla Koto goalkeeper.

Amakhosi were simply too strong for the visitors on the night, delivering an excellent performance.

The 4-0 win means that last season’s league winners go to the top of the 2015/2016 Absa Premiership log, having four points from two matches. Mamelodi Sundowns, Mpumalanga Black Aces and SuperSport United are also on four points, but the Glamour Boys have a better goal difference.

Chiefs’ next game at home is the second leg of the MTN8 semifinal against Bloemfontein. This match will be played at the FNB Stadium on Saturday, 29 August (kick-off 20:15). The first leg encounter finished in a 1-1 draw.

Kaizer Chiefs (3) 4 (Sankara og 34’, Lebese 42’, Chakoroma og 45+1’, Tshabalala 67’)

Free State Stars 0

Kaizer Chiefs: Khune; Gaxa, Mathoho, Xulu, Masilela; Lebese (Maluleka 73’), Katsande, Letsholonyane, Tshabalala; Parker (Karuru 80’), Mthembu (Ndulula 66’)

Free State Stars: Mathole; Mashego, Chakoroma, Tlhone; Masehe, captain, Obada (Thethani 53’), Sankara, Kerspuy, Venter (Somaeb 53’); Mohomi, Ngcobo (Fillecia 68’)