A 55th minute goal from George Lebese saw Kaizer Chiefs to a 1-0 win over Free State Stars in their first 2014/15 Absa Premiership match of the season at the Charles Mopeli Stadium in Phuthaditjhaba on Saturday afternoon.

For the most part it was a torrid game with the Amakhosi enjoying the lion’s share of possession, but finding themselves continuously frustrated by the Stars defence.

Eventually, after pounding on the door for what felt like forever Chiefs broke the deadlock ten minutes after halftime, ironically due to some sloppy defending from the Ea Lla Koto who had looked solid throughout.

Chiefs made their intentions clear early on with their first shot on goal coming in the third minute when Mandla Masango fired a 30-yard free-kick just over the target.

Twenty minutes later Lebese broke down the left flank and crossed for Kingston Nkhatha, but he shot wide from eight yards out.

On the half hour mark the Ea Lla Koto keeper, Daouda Diakite, had to be at his best to turn a Mandla Masango 20-yard shot around the post with an acrobatic save.

The half ended 0-0.

In the 55th minute Chiefs finally made their pressure tell when a persistent Lebese made the most of some miss-communication between the Stars centre-backs, allowing him to tap home from close range to put his team 1-0 up.

Chiefs played out the remainder of the match under no real threat to pick up their first three points of the 2014/15 league season.

Teams

Stars: Diakite (Mtshali 44’), Yende, Sambu, Dacosta, Thlone, Mashego (Basit 70’), Kerspuy, Wiltwer, Masehe, Thebakang (Venter 70’), Henyekane.

Chiefs: Khune, Gaxa, Mathoho, Mashamaite, Masilela, Katsande, Letsholonyane, Masango, Lebese (Gould 79’), Maluleka, Nkhatha (Mthembu 89’).