Kaizer Chiefs beat Bidvest Wits 1-0 in an Absa Premiership clash at the Bidvest Stadium on Tuesday evening. The sole goal was scored by George Maluleka from a free kick.

Willam Twala started against Bidvest Wits, replacing the injured George Lebese.

Back in the starting line-up was also Siboniso Gaxa, who came on at left-back for the suspended Tsepo Masilela (four yellow cards).

Erick Mathoho, meanwhile, returned back from suspension, slotting in his usual centre-back position.

It was a highly entertaining first half on the rather small pitch of the Bidvest Stadium. The home side probably had the better chances, even though Chiefs played well.

Reyaad Pieterse was composed in goal, while Amakhosi’s centre-backs (Mathoho and Lorenzo Gordinho) were reliable.

Gaxa also performed well, in the unusual position at left-back. It showed the defender’s experience.

Up-front Camaldine Abraw was a bit isolated, although he kept working hard.

The first half ended like it started, goalless.

Wits continued to be the slightly better team in the second half. Although, as we know, that doesn’t always been anything, as long as a team doesn’t find the back of the net.

It was Amakhosi that scored first, thanks to an excellently taken free kick from Maluleka in the 59th minute. He coolly slotted the ball from just outside the box past Wits goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs, while many in the stadium probably expected Tshabalala to take the free kick.

Pieterse made some excellent saves in goal, caring to keep a clean sheet.

Overall, Amakhosi deserved to win, simply by keeping it tight at the back and scoring when the opportunity arose.

It was Chiefs’ third win in a row, which is excellent.

Amakhosi certainly deserved the three points. They are now in third position on the Absa Premiership log, having 35 points from 19 games.

Pieterse was selected as the Man of the Match, deservedly so. It was a great performance of the goalkeeper.

Chiefs next face Volcan de Moroni in the first leg of a CAF Champions League fixture in the Comoros on Sunday, 14 February (kick-off is at 14:00, South African time).

Kaizer Chiefs (0) 1 (Maluleka 59’)

Bidvest Wits 0

Kaizer Chiefs: Pieterse; Moleko, Mathoho, Gordinho, Gaxa; Tshabalala, Katsande, Letsholonyane, Twala (Matovu 89’); Maluleka (Parker 63’), Abraw (Gould 74’

Bidvest Wits: Josephs; Nhlapo, Hlatswayo, Khumalo, Hlanti; Sekese (Vilikazi 76’), Motshwari, Shongwe (Pelembe 63’), Klate (Botes 73’); Mahlambi, Keene