Kennedy Mweene heroics between the poles ensured that Free State Stars proceeded to the final of the Phakisa Cup as they beat Kaizer Chiefs by 4-2 on penalties. Mweene saved two penalties from Kaizer Motaung Jr and veteran winger, Arthur Zwane.

Mweene who was forced to pick the balls four times from his own net the last time the two teams met, but this time he was a man standing between Chiefs and victory at the Saturday encounter. Chiefs played superbly, but could not maintain the momentous showpiece displayed at the Mpumalanga Premier’s International Cup.

Kaizer Chiefs coach, Muhsin Ertugral continued to try different combinations during the preseason preparation. Itumeleng Khune replaced Emille Baron just before kickoff after the Cape Town born goalkeeper suffered a slight injury on his ankle. Arthur Zwane kept his spot on the ‘superior’ right back with Wayne Matle occupying the left back spot. Jimmy Tau continued with his role as a centre back joined by Moketi Tsotetsi. In the midfield Sandile Zuke partnered with David “DVD” Mathebula while Thuso Phala and Mandla Masango operated on the wings. Mabhudi Khenyeza also combined with Tshepho Bulu up front.

The game started with both teams having a go at each other, but it was Amakhosi who enjoyed more possession on the ball and looked more dangerous up front with Mabhudi Khenyeza asking lot of questions from Free State Stars defence.

First, it was Mabhudi Khenyeza who came close with a header, but an alert Kennedy Mweene pulled a good save. Then Tshepho Bulu missed what looked like an easy chance after being set up by Mabhudi but his header went over the bar. On the other end, Kaizer Chiefs Player of the Year and Player’s Player of the Year, Itumeleng Khune pulled a brilliant save denying Reuben Cloete.

Kennedy Mweene was the busier of the two goalkeepers though as Tshepho Bulu called him into action once again, but found the Zambian goal minder in an uncompromising mood as he pulled another save denying the Pimville born marksman. Then Stars came close as Kingston Nkhatha’s flying header went just wide following a cross from substitute, Matome Madimabe.

Chiefs should have taken the lead midway first half as Thuso Phala forced a save out of Kennedy Mweene, from a rebound the resilient Stars defence cleared off the line twice from Mabhudi Khenyeza and Tshepho Bulu respectively. With Chiefs putting their foot off the paddle, another Stars substitute Tebelo Mofokeng watched with disbelief as his header came off the crossbar.

With Muhsin having rang changes from the beginning of second stanza of the game, Chiefs looked more fluid going forward and were nearly rewarded in what was the move of the game involving midfielder Michael “Zezou” Nkambule, Kaizer Motaung Jr and Renielwe “Yeye” Letsholonyane, but the latter failed to convert the opportunity allowing Kennedy Mweene to thwart the danger. Thereafter Kaizer Motaung Jr forced another good save from Mweene from a tight angle.

The game ended 0-0.

Penalties: Kaizer Chiefs: Motaung (saved), Nkambule (scored), Mthembu (scored), Zwane (saved)

Free State Stars: Lechesa (scored), Madimabe (scored), Mofokeng (saved), Mweene (scored), Thamane Motaung (scored)

Final Score: 4-2

Kaizer Chiefs line up: Khune, Zwane, Tau, Tsotetsi, Matle, Phala (Schalkvyk 55th), Zuke (Nkambule 55th), Mathebula (Letsholonyana 55th), Masango, K (Motaung 55th) Khenyeza (Mthembu 55th), Bulu

Subs not used: Rooi, Gilbert & Lebese

Coaching Team

Muhsin Ertugral (Head coach)


Fani Madida (Assistant Coach)


Rainer Dinkelacker (Goalkeeper Coach)