Yes, yes, yes! Kaizer Chiefs are MTN8 champions again after winning the Cup for the first time since 2008. The Amakhosi were the deserved winners, beating Orlando Pirates 1-0, thanks to a goal from captain Tefu Mashamaite in the 28th minute. Goalkeeper Brilliant Khuzwayo was chosen as the man-of-the-match for his stunning performance in goal. The absorbing match was played at the sold-out Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday evening.

Kaizer Chiefs dominated the early proceedings, pressurizing the Buccaneers quickly whenever they were in possession of the ball. Having most of the ball possession resulted in two good opportunities during the first 15 minutes of play. Firstly, it was Mandla Masango who got a change, but Pirates’ goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa came up with a reliable safe. Four minutes later there was a good opportunity for Amakhosi striker Kingston Nkatha, but his header went wide.

In the 22nd minute, however, Pirates’ first chance came from close range for Oupa Manyisa, but Chiefs goalkeeper Khuzwayo’s reflex safe was fantastic. Injured Itumeleng Khune proudly applauded the action from his replacement from his place in the stand.

Yeye Letshololonyane was bossing the midfield, passing the ball around nicely. In the 28th minute, Amakhosi left-back Tsepo Masilela was brought down on the wing in the opponent’s half. The subsequent free-kick resulted in the opening goal with captain Mashamaite heading the ball nicely past Meyiwa, leaving the goalkeeper no chance, 1-0.

Pirates tried to come back into the game, but it didn’t result in any chances. As a result, Chiefs went into halftime 1-0 ahead, deservedly so.

The second half started, like the first, at a ferocious pace. However, this time it was Pirates trying to dominate, looking for the equalizer. They got their chance in the 52st minute, but again Khuzwayo was up to the task, saving brilliantly. A minute later George Maluleka got an opportunity to extend the lead, but he took a bit too long, giving his opponent time to intervene.

Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter made his first change in the 63rd minute, replacing the hard working Nkhatha by the speedy Bernard Parker. Seven minutes the later the experienced Siphiwe Tshabalala came on for the George Lebese, who started the game on fire, but faded a bit later on.

Meanwhile, the pressure was growing on the Amakhosi defence, but Khuzwayo continued to come up with some fine safes whenever needed. Baxter reacted with another change, bringing on Morgan Gould to beef up the defence.

The Amakhosi, however, tried to counter-attack whenever having an opportunity, resulting, for example, in an excellent change for Bernard Parker. But the Pirates goalkeeper was alert. The finish was nerve-wrecking, but the defence did well.

After the game, Chiefs coach Baxter reflected: “It was a game of two halves. In the second half it was more about a transition game for us. We hoped that we could score another goal from one of these transitions. I am very proud about the boys!”

Kaizer Chiefs (1) 1 (Mashamaite 28’)

Orlando Pirates (0) 0

Kaizer Chiefs: Khuzwayo, Gaxa, Mashamaite, Mathoho, Masilela, Maluleka (Gould 81’), Letsholonyane, Katsande Lebese (Tshabalala 70’), Masango, Nkhatha (Parker 63’)

Orlando Pirates: Meyiwa, Jele, Matlaba, Gcaba, Sangweni, Manyisa, Sarr, Ntshumayelo (Majoro 70’), Klate (Makolo 80’), Myeni (Qalinge 80’), Erasmus