Midfielder Stanton Fredericks scored a brilliant second half goal to give Kaizer Chiefs a 1-0 victory against Golden Arrows at Ellis Park on Wednesday night as Amakhosi moved from 12th position to eighth on the log.

Following a slow start in the first half, where Chiefs looked shaky in

midfield and blunt in attack, the home side returned with renewed hope in the

second half following the introduction of Jossias Macamo and Nhlanhla Mathebula

for Lucky Maselesele and Thabo Mooki respectively.

A well-taken corner by Macamo in the 57th minute was complimented by a brilliant header as Fredericks rose above the Arrows defence to put Chiefs in the lead.

The Phefeni Glamour Boys welcomed Arrows to Ellis Park after managing only two victories from seven matches at this venue and were under pressure to produce positive results following a disappointing weekend in Venda. It was their third encounter against Arrows since the promotion of the Durban side.

The visitors came in high spirits with the knowledge that their hosts had never beaten them in league duels. It was Arrows who raised eyebrows when they beat Chiefs 3-1 in their first encounter last season and forced a goalless draw

in the return leg.

Chiefs also had to contend with the fact that they had only managed to win

three of their seven league matches played at this venue.

Jabu Pule was missing in action due to injury but Stanton Fredericks was

there to direct the proceedings in the middle of the park with veteran Mooki.

Maselesele led the attack with Kenny Niemach while Rodney Thobejane was given a

run in defence in the absence of suspended Cyril Nzama.

Both Mooki and Maselesele were substituted at the break, making way for

Mathebula and Macamo respectively. Mathebula's arrival

stabilised the Amakhosi midfield while Macamo sharpened the attack.

Niemach caused an uproar on 35 minutes following a great delievery from

Fredericks. Instead of going for the easier option, which would have been to

head goalwards, Niemach tried to chest-control, allowing the Arrows defence

time to clear their lines and the supporters were not impressed as they

immediately called for his replacement.

Niemach stayed on the field until late in the second half when he was

replaced by Luke Petros. As the tall striker left the field 12 minutes before

the end, the supporters hurled some unsavory words at the BP Top Eight

semifinal hero following his disappointing performance on the night.

A short corner between Bonang Ngaka and Tshepo Ntsoane set Lucky Sibeko free

who twisted and turned the Chiefs defence earlier in the first half before shooting wide.

But it was Fredericks who got the crowd excited with his long range shot on 18 minutes,

which brought the best out of Chansa as he fisted the ball for a corner.

Great work by Macamo created a chance for second half substitute Petros but the Zimbabwean international was denied by Chansa.

Chiefs will now travel to Free State over the weekend for a clash against Stars hoping to continue where they left off against Arrows.

Teams:

Kaizer Chiefs: 1-Rowen Fernandez, 5-Patrick Mabed, 24-Isaac Mabotsa,

3-Rodney Thobejane, 6-Nhlanhla Kubeka, 18-Arthur Zwane, 25-Marco Mthembu, 10-

Stanton Fredericks, 12-Thabo Mooki (Nhlanhla Mathebula 46th), 9-Lucky

Maselesele (Jossias MAcamo 46th), 20-Kenny Niemach (Luke Petros 72nd).

Golden Arrows: 44-Francis Chansa, 4-Thulani Ndlovu, 16-Nhlanhla

Mncube, 28-Shaldon Roux, 22-Jonas Mavimbela (Michel Ncube 48th), 5-Carlos

Baute, 24-Tekano Ledimo (Lumkelo Makhanya 67th), 6-Xolani Phakathi (Jason Lakay

51st), 2-Tshepo Ntsoane, 30-Bonang Ngaka, 10-Lucky Sibeko.

Referee: Ronny

Marhule.