Kaizer Chiefs beat Platinum Stars 3-0 in a Telkom Knockout last 16 clash at the Moruleng Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Erick Mathoho scored the opener, heading the ball in goal just before the first half break, while Siphelele Mthembu and George Maluleka netted the other two just before the final whistle of the referee.

The home side started like a house on fire in extremely hot conditions. During this opening stage of about 15 minutes, Amakhosi goalkeeper Reyaad Pieterse made a great save, diving to his left, working away a well-taken Dikwena free-kick.

It was also a period when Stars winger Masibusane Zongo was at his most entertaining as well as his most irritating, trying to annoy the Chiefs players with his ball tricks, which were often more meant to amuse the crowd than having purpose for the game.

Just when Chiefs was slowly taking control of the game, after about 30 minutes of play, Zongo tried to trick Siphiwe Tshabalala, who was unflustered and snatched the ball from the winger’s feet. In response, Zongo hit out with his elbow towards the Amakhosi captain’s face, hitting his mouth. The young Stars player was lucky to stay on the pitch, as the referee only showed him the yellow card.

However, the incident was also a kind of turning point, as it was the moment the visitors got more and more forward, creating a few chances. The best arrived for Tshabalala in the 38th minute, but his shot from just outside the box, taken on the bounce, flew over the crossbar.

The Amakhosi got the opening goal on the brink of halftime, when a free-kick taken by Tshabalala found defender Mathoho’s head close to the second goalpost, 1-0.

Dikwena tried to come back in the second half, but it was Chiefs that got two great opportunities to extend the lead after eight minutes of play. Firstly, a pass from Reneilwe Letsholonyane reached Bernard Parker at close range from the goalkeeper. Parker classily lifted the ball over the incoming Stars goalkeeper, but, sadly, the ball disappeared past the wrong side of the goalpost.

Not even a minute later, Camaldine Abraw’s shot at goal was nicely saved by the Stars goalkeeper. The Togolese striker got another chance to score after some great work by Edward Manqele, but his shot went over the goal from close range.

Towards the end of the match, Amakhosi scored two more goals thanks to substitutes Mthembu and Maluleka.

The main factor in winning the match was due to Chiefs’ dominance in midfield, especially after Stars’ excellent opening stage had ended. Willard Katsande won again numerous balls and Letsholonyane also did well. Captain Tshabalala was another who worked tirelessly, closing down gaps wherever they opened up and creating danger when going forward as well.

It was overall a justified win for the Amakhosi, as they were the better team for most of the game. Tshabalala was deservedly selected as the Man of the Match for a fine performance.

The draw for the Telkom Knockout Last 8 will be held on Monday.

Platinum Stars 0

Kaizer Chiefs (1) 3 (Mathoho 44’, Mthembu 92’, Maluleka 94’)

Platinum Stars: Mzimela; Zulu, Nhlapo, Gumede, Mere; Zongo (Makudubela 58’), Madubanya, Ng’ambi, Msomi; Ntuli (Mabena 46’), Rodgers (Madondo 65’)

Kaizer Chiefs: Pieterse; Gaxa, Mathoho, Bukenya, Ritchie; Manqele (Mthembu 86’), Katsande, Letsholonyane, Tshabalala; Parker (Maluleka 80’), Abraw (Lebese 63’)