Knowledge Musona scored his first goal for Kaizer Chiefs in his return season as Stuart Baxter’s men defeated Mariztburg United 2-0 at the FNB Stadium in an Absa Premiership clash on Saturday evening.

George Lebese was the man who put further pain on Ernst Middendorp’s side by netting with his first touch of the game as he came off the bench.

There was an early golden chance for Knowledge Musona to open his PSL account. He played a one-two with his Zimbabwean compatriot Kingston Nkhatha but his casual shot was saved by Mariztburg keeper Shu-Aib Walters from close range, Musona should have netted with the KwaZulu-Natal side at his mercy.

In the 24th minute Mariztburg’s Ryan De Jong handled the ball just on the edge of the box. Chiefs winger Siphiwe Tshabalala saw his free kick attempt from that set piece narrowly go high of goal. A minute later the Bafana Bafana winger unleashed a left footed long range shot which just missed the target.

The visitors had a glimmer of hope when Ruben Cloete pounced on a rebound in the 36th minute and whipped a cracker of a shot which unfortunately missed the target with Khune well beaten.

A minute later at the other end Chiefs opened their account. Tshabalala saw his deflected shot come off the post but Musona was on hand to finish it off as he scored his first goal in the colours of Chiefs in his return season.

Five minutes into the second half, United had a half chance when Ashley Hartog swung in a sweet cross into the box which found Terrence Mandaza, but the Zimbabwean headed it straight into the hands of a well-positioned Khune.

On the hour mark, Rheece Evans thought he had levelled matters for his side when he connected with a cross from the right flank. He timed his jump to perfection but saw his header shave the outside roof of the net.

Chiefs doubled their lead in the 75th minute through Lebese, who had only been on the field for just a minute. The defending league champions broke out on a counter-attack, Siboniso Gaxa cut back the ball for Reneilwe Letsholonyane, who saw his shot saved by the ‘keeper but Lebese was on hand to finish off the rebound.

Kaizer Chiefs (1) 2 (Musona 37’, Lebese 75’)

Maritzburg United 0

Chiefs: Khune, Gaxa, Mashamaite, Gould, Masilela, Letsholonyane (Nkosi 88’), Katsande, Tshabalala, Parker, Nkhatha (Majoro 83’), Musona (Lebese 73’)

Maritzburg: Walters, Evans, Johannes, M. Booysen, Cloete, Mkhize, Morton, De Jongh (Sekotlong 61’), Sheppard (Matuka 46’), Hartog, Mandaza (Smeekes 72’)