Posted in News on May 12, 2004.
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It was Amakhosi’s biggest defeat of the season but for United it was business as usual following their 4-0 win against Silver Stars last Wednesday. This outcome also stretched their unbeaten run to nine matches with their last defeat on February 14 against Golden Arrows.
United, 1-0 winners against Chiefs in the first round, continued from where they left off despite fielding a depleted squad due to injuries and suspensions. Captain and defensive kingpin Ricardo Katza was out on suspension and another key defender started on the bench.
United Academy graduate Richard Ferreira was thrown in at the deep end, only making his second appearance this season, but never had difficulty in nullifying the threat from Amakhosi midfield sensation Junior Khanye.
The three-pronged attacked deployed by United made it difficult for Chiefs to use their wing-backs David Kannemeyer and Cyril Nzama as they constantly had to keep Denis Masina, Abram Raselemane and Daniel Matsau under constant check. Former Free State Stars man Tseu Mokoro also wrecked havoc no matter where he attacked from and Derrick Spencer and Patrick Mabedi in the central defence had to be at their best.
However, on this occasion, Chiefs, who have instilled fear in their opponents throughout the season, were reduced to an ordinary side. Amakhosi’s best defensive record was also thrown out the window, as United ran riot on the occasion that was also to mark 10 years of democracy celebrations by the Tshwane Metro Council.
Chiefs also had three attacking options in Patrick Mayo, Kabamba Musasa and David Radebe but United were never really troubled.
The victory takes United to joint second with Ajax Cape Town, who will be in action on Friday against Sundowns.
Never before have Chiefs been so overwhelmed by their opposition that they found themselves trailing 3-0 at halftime as they battled to deal with the pressure from United. The hosts were never troubled despite their numerical disadvantage following the red card handed to Nicolas Chazika on 71 minutes.
A makeshift United stretched Amakhosi earlier in the game and were duly rewarded on 15 minutes with former Chiefs striker Matsau burying a rebound to put the home side in the driving seat.
United went further ahead seven minutes later as Tsweu Mokoro punished Chiefs for indecisiveness. It was Mokoro’s second attempt after his earlier miss two minutes into the game.
A superb strike - which got the moment of the match honour - by Swaziland international Denis Masina on 37 minutes summed up a great first half performance by United.
United will now turn their attention to the African Champions League this weekend where they host Al Hilal from Sudan while Chiefs will hope for a better result against relegation threatened Zulu Royals.
Teams:
SuperSport United: 29-Calvin Marlin, 27-Richard Ferreira, 6-Siboniso Gaxa, 3-Phil Evans, 16-Cavann Sibeko, 28-Sibusiso Mahlangu, 21-Nicholas Chazika, 5-Denis Masina, 20-Tsweu Mokoro (Zwane 69), 18-Abram Raselemane (Takuchie 82), 7-Daniel Matsau (Tembo 74).
Kaizer Chiefs: 1-Rowen Fernandez, 14-David Kannemeyer, 5-Patrick Mabedi, 10-Derrick Spencer, 4-Cyril Nzama, 21-Patrick Mayo (Dlamini 46), 8-Tenashe Nengomasha, 13-Junior Khanye (Fredericks 64), 91-John Moshoeu, 31-David Radebe, 33-Kabamba Musasa.
Referee: Buyile Qubule
Yellow cards: Ferreira 52, Dlamini 53, Nzama 86, Fredericks 89
Red cards: Chazika 71