Posted in News on Feb 18, 2004.
Fredericks, who handed Chiefs their only other league win against the Durban side in
seven outings, came off the bench on 51 minutes in place of debutant Lucky Mzizi. Prior to
his arrival on the park, Chiefs appeared headed for a 0-0 draw after creating chances but failing
to find the back of the net.
Following a disappointing Nations Cup campaign where he only got 20 minutes of play, the former SA under-23 midfielder appeared fired up once he was thrown in and
the goal was perhaps an indication that he had been itching for get back into action.
DR Congo international Kabamba Musasa, another second-half replacement, delivered a
wicked cross from the left and Fredericks did well to head Amakhosi in the lead in the 90th minute - a goal
that settled the match.
Arrows, for their part, did very little to trouble the somewhat rusty Amakhosi. Earlier
in the first half, Papi Zothwane tested the water and almost succeeded as his low shot
caught Amakhosi keeper Rowen Fernandez off guard.
Again Arrows had a chance on 58 minutes with Zothwane doing well under pressure form
Bevan Fransman – who was later forced off due to injury – but the Arrows man
fired just wide.
Striker David Radebe was given a rare start against Arrows following his impressive run
in the Doctor Khumalo Benefit match two weeks ago. But the former Free State Stars striker
toiled the whole afternoon without finding target and was ultimately replaced in the 66th
minute by Musasa.
Radebe started promisingly when he tested Arrows keeper Francis Chansa on 12 minutes
but his long-range shot was pushed over for a corner kick. He tried again on 24 minutes
but Chansa was rock-solid.
It was a night of missed opportunities for the Chiefs front line, especially Radebe.
And if Amakhosi are to annex the league championship, they will have to rethink their
approach to the game, particularly when faced with rivals who fail to trouble
their keeper.
With Ajax Cape Town winning 1-0 against Jomo Cosmos earlier in the day, Amakhosi needed
to collect maximum points to re-launch their campaign on a positive note. But given the
history between the two sides, it was not surprising that a certain section of the
supporters started making their way to the exit gates four minutes before fulltime as a
draw seemed to be on the cards.
Chiefs went into this match with a worrying record against the Durban side. From the
previous eight encounters, they have only managed to win two with Fredericks giving
Chiefs their only league victory in their first-round match of the
2001-2002 season and a season later they managed to put another one past their Durban hoodoo
side, this time in the Coca-Cola Cup quarterfinals.
Amakhosi coach Ted Dumitru introduced new signings Mzizi and Derrick Spencer. The two
showed glimpses of skill but the never really got a chance to shine.
Teams:
Chiefs: Fernandez, Nzama, Mabedi, Spencer, Fransman (Kannemeyer 70), Mzizi (Fredericks
51), Nengomasha, Moshoeu, Mooki, Pule, Radebe (Musasa 66).
Subs: Baloyi, Kannemeyer, Mayo, Mendu, Musasa, Fredericks, Khanye.
Arrows: Chansa, Khanyile, Gumbi, Langa, Ndlovu, Ngobese (Vumile Dladla 70), Sibeko,
Zothwane, Mhlangu, Gulwa, Milanzi (Siza Dlamini 63).
Subs: Ntsoane, Mhlawuli, Roux, Baute, Dladla, Dlamini, Masuku.
Cards: Sibeko 69
Referee: Petros Mathabela