Posted in News on Aug 04, 2009.
Date: 04 August 2009
Kick off: 19h30
Kaizer Chiefs 3 (Nhleko 3, Mathebula 72, Musona 90))
Bidvest Wits 1 (Haskins 43)
Caution: Nahayo, Kadi, Miller, Rodrigues
Kaizer Chiefs made their intentions of defending the MTN8 Wafa Wafa clear when they shrugged off challenge from Bidvest Wits to hand them a 3-1 defeat at Rand Stadium on Tuesday night.
The Glamour Boys draw the first blood when Nkosinathi Nhleko fired home in the third minute with a brilliant shot inside the 18 area box following some neat work by Josta Dladla, 1-0 to Kaizer Chiefs.
David Mathebula was a livewire in the middle of the park and his one touch passing game together with Josta Dladla was a marvel to watch. Mandla Masango who is enjoying a new lease of life under Vladimir Vermezovic came close with a well struck volley following a cheeky flick from striker, Nkosinathi Nhleko.
The latter was back in action minutes later as his powerful strike was saved by Darren Keet as the Glamour Boys searched for the second goal of the night. Itumeleng Khune who had a quiet night was called to duty as he dived low to save Samuel Ramosoeu’s shot.
The hosts, Chiefs who had enjoyed most of the possession in the first stanza allowed their opponents to come back into the game when Mark Haskins fired from close range following a superb cross from Calvin Kadi, 1 all at halftime.
Goalkeeper, Itumeleng Khune nearly surprised Darren Keet with a long ball from his halfway line after picking up that his opposite number was way off his line, but the latter did enough to push the ball out for corner kick.
Khune did well to save two strikes from Wits first from former Chiefs player, Rene Richards and then from Calvin Kadi to keep the score level.
Vermezovic made a double substitution in the 70th bringing in two strikers, Kaizer Motaung Jr and Knowledge Musona replacing Nkosinathi Nhleko and Abia Nale respectively. The Serbian would be pleased by Nkosinathi Nhleko work rate that saw him scoring on his debut for the Glamour Boys.
The substitution was just what Chiefs needed as two minutes later, captain of the night David Mathebula scored with a long range shot giving the Glamour Boys a deserved lead.
Marawaan Bantam who replaced injured Rene Richards came very close grabbing equaliser for the Students as his well taken free kick came off the upright. Minutes later, it was Calvin Kadi’s deflected shot that came off the crossbar as Wits searched for equaliser.
Chiefs will on Saturday welcome Engen Santos in an Absa Premiership opener at Orlando Stadium. Kick off for the game is at 20h15.
Chiefs: Khune, Molekwane, Masenamela, Sweswe, Nahayo, Ntuka, Masango, Mathebula, Nhleko (Motaung Jr. 70) Dladla, Nale (Musona 70)
Substitutes not used: Ngobeni, Jambo, Torrealba, Lebese, Sibeko
Technical Team
Vladimir Vermezovic (Head Coach)
Donald Khuse (Assistant Coach)
Rainer Dinkelacker (Goalkeeper Coach)
Elsa Storm (Fitness Trainer)
Wits: Keet, Morton, Richards (Phungwayo 76), Winstanley, Haskins, Mashamaite, Mngomezulu, Kadi, Miller, Ramosoeu (Yobue 62), Rodrigues (Bantam 74)
Substitutes not used: Robinson, Barkhuizen, Mahlangu, Vilakazi,
Technical Team
Roger De Sa (Head Coach)
Eric Tinkler (Ass. Coach)
George Mogotsi (Manager)
Christopher Pedra (Physiotherapy)
Lervasen Pillay (Doctor)
Match Officials
Daniel Bennet (Referee)
Yugesh Anjith (1st Assistant)
Luyanda Somi (2nd Assistant)
Reginald Motloung (4th Official)
Steve Goddard (Match Commissioner)