Forceful Kaizer Chiefs striker Collins Mbesuma passed a late fitness test and then guided his club to the second position on the Premier Soccer League table after Amakosi beat Moroka Swallows 2-0 at the FNB Stadium on Saturday.

Mbesuma scored both goals as Chiefs turned up the heat on title rivals Orlando Pirates.

There were no goals in the first half which was dominated by Swallows, forcing Chiefs to concede eight corner kicks. Mbesuma, who was tightly marked throughout the opening stanza, was given an opportunity to hold onto the ball in the first minute after the restart.

He received a cross from Scara Ngobese. Mbesuma then twisted and turned, before pushing a low shot into the net.

His goal brought life to his team-mates and Chiefs turned the table around, forcing Swallows to back peddle. Arthur Zwane fed Mbesuma a perfect pass 51st minute and the Zambian international easily scooped the ball over goalkeeper Conrad Hendricks.

Mbesuma now tops the PSL scoring chart with 21 goals from 27 games. Chiefs, the PSL defending champions, registered their 14th victory and have 11 draws and two losses, and now have 53 points.

Pirates lead the log with 56 points, but Chiefs have a game in hand on their bitter rivals.

The fourth placed Swallows suffered their 7th defeat against 13 victories from 29 games. They have 48 points.

The Birds, who started the game like a house on fire, suffered a low blow in the 81st minute when Bonginkosi Ndlovu was red carded.

He had tackled an advancing Gert Schalkwyk from behind and referee Ace Ncobo sent him for an early shower.

Thabiso Letsoalo earned himself a yellow card for dissent after the sending off of Ndlovu. Swallows gained a second wind in the dying moments of the exciting second half, but it was too little too late as Amakosi walked away with maximum points.