Amakhosi were full value for their victory, as they dominated the match, and also missed several other chances.

The goals, scored in the space of six minutes, were banged home by Shoes Moshoeu and David Radebe, who had an outstanding game for the winners.

Chiefs should have taken the lead in the 5th minute after Radebe did well to outfox Lucky Lekgwathi. Radebe crossed from the right, and Pirates goalkeeper William Okpara did well to get a touch on the ball, diverting it away from the lurking Moshoeu and Kabamba Musasa.

But Okpara's touch was not sure enough, and Chiefs got a second bite on the cherry, as Josias Macamo crossed the ball back into the danger zone. Again the targets were Moshoeu and Musasa, but the duo were unable to connect and Pirates managed to clear their lines.

Chiefs had a few more chances in the opening half, but were unable to take them, while Steve Lekoelea did some great work and put in Bheka Phakathi, but the Pirates midfielder shot wide when he should have done better.

But it was a somewhat rough contest, and inside 20 minutes, referee Jerome Damon booked three players for various incidents of rough play, and two of the incidents deserved red cards.

Lesley Manyathela was quiet all afternoon, but in the 69th minute he exploded, and volleyed a great shot that just dipped over the Pirates crossbar.

Two minutes later, however, Chiefs took the lead. From a Stanton Fredericks corner, Moshoeu headed the ball beyond the outstretched arm of Pirates goalkeeper Okpara, to give Chiefs the lead.

Amakhosi started to turn on the magic, and six minutes later doubled the lead, the goal being initiated by Radebe, who headed the ball into space. Moshoeu chased, touched the ball past Okpara, and then crossed for Radebe to head home in style and secure all three points for Amakhosi, as well as throw the league race wide open.

Mosheou duly won the Man of the Match award for his outstanding performance. Chiefs are now in sixth position, seven points behind leaders Wits University.

The victory was a fitting present to goalkeeper Brian Baloyi who celebrates his 29th birthday on Sunday. It was also a late present to striker Rene Richards who celebrated his birthday on Thursday.

The Glamour Boys will now start preparing for their opening match in the Absa Cup against first division side FC Sporting next Saturday at Ellis Park in high spirits.

Teams:

Chiefs: Baloyi, Mabedi, Thobejane, Nzama, Khubeka, Nengomashe, Moshoeu, Fredericks, Macamo (Zwane), Radebe, Musasa (Mbuthu).

Coaches: Doctor Khumalo and Donald Khuse

Pirates: Okpara, Tau, Netshiodzwe, Lekgwathi, Mabizela, Vilakazi (Kauleza), S Mazibuko, G Mazibuko (Bhengu), Phakathi, Lekoelea (Makhanya), Manyathela.

Coach: Roy Baretto

Referee: Jerome Damon.