Kaizer Chiefs made a winning start under new coach Kosta Papic on Saturday evening when they cruised to a comfortable 4 – 0 win over Bloemfontein Celtic, even though the new coach was not on the bench due to technicalities.

He oversaw proceedings from the stands and must have been well pleased with the performance of the team he took over at the start of the week, as Chiefs were rampant and ruthless as they easily saw off Celtic who were expected to give Chiefs a torrid time.

Papic did mention earlier that he would allow his players to freely express themselves, and one of the Chief beneficiaries of the new coaches policies was midfielder Scara Ngobese. As he was able to use the freedom given to him to dazzle the opposition, it was not just Ngobese who brought out his best game on Saturday.

A number of Chiefs big names the likes of David Obua, Shaun Bartlett, Siyabonga Nkosi and Kaizer Motaung Junior who scored his second hat trick of the season all contributed with some big performances, which ensured that Chiefs were able to win at a canter.

Such was Chiefs dominance of the game that they got their first shot at goal inside the first minute, Jimmy Tau was able to send in a cross to Shaun Bartlett who did well to fend of his marker but his volleyed effort went narrowly wide of Walters in the Celtic goal.

Hardly a minute later and with some good work by Ngobese Chiefs were able to carve open another opening, the number eleven ran across the Celtic 18 yard area and set up the on running Obua whose thunderous crack at goal went inches over the Celtic cross bar.

While Chiefs continued to dominate proceedings Celtic did have a sniff at goal in the 23rd minute when Mmethi took a pot shot from distance, Fernandez through a wall of defenders was easily able to pick up the ball.

Chiefs finally made the break through they were looking for on 26 minutes, when Sashi Chalwe’s clearances was blocked by Kaizer Motaung Junior, who after blocking the ball out ran the Zambian and caught up to the ball and neatly knocked it past the oncoming Walters to give Chiefs a well deserved lead.

With half time approaching Chiefs were looking to double their advantage and could have done so, when a Scara Ngobese cross found Shaun Bartlett who did well to control the ball with his chest. Bartlett then volleyed the ball but Walters reacted quickly and blocked the ball, two minutes on and Bartlett did get his ninth goal of the season.

After a neat exchange of passes between Kaizer Junior and Arthur Zwane, the latter sent a pass along the ground into the Celtic penalty area.

As Walters came out to get the ball Shaun Bartlett slid in ahead of him and knocked the ball into the empty net, on the stroke of half time Celtic tried to get back into the game, a long ball was played up towards Mphongoa.

The Lesotho international raced towards the ball, but was beaten to it by Rowen Fernandez who got up and punched the ball away, the first half ended with Chiefs leading 2-0.

Celtic began the second half searching for a way back into the game, and could have been on the score sheet in the 48th minute but for some quick thinking from Rowen Fernandez, Taaibos sent in a cross from the right flank looking for Mphongoa.

Fernandez came out and miss punched the ball which then landed at the feet of John Maduka, Fernandez was able to pick himself up and threw his body in front of Maduka’s pile driver to keep out the Celtic players attempt at goal.

Just past the hour mark and Celtic thought that they had found their way back, Mphongoa galloped past Obua and chipped the ball over Fernandez but could not beat the wood work. As his shot rolled onto Fernandez right hand post, Nzama was able to get to the ball and knocked it away to clear the danger.

Ten minutes later and Chiefs got their third goal, Siyabonga Nkosi was set through on goal but was knocked over by Walters, the referee took his time before eventually pointing to the spot.

Kaizer Motaung Junior stepped up and knocked the ball home with a cheeky penalty, which left Walters stranded to his line and the ball rolled into the bottom left hand corner of the goal.

To give the young Chiefs striker his tenth league goal of the season and Chiefs an unassailable 3-0 lead, eight minutes on with Nkosi once again doing the hard work Kaizer Junior was able to complete his second hat trick of the season.

Nkosi began a run just past the half way line and left a number of Celtic players in his wake, before passing to Kaizer Junior, who collected the ball and shot goal wards, a Celtic defender blocked his initial shot but he was able to get hold of the rebound and turned the ball home to complete his hat trick.

Inside the final five minutes of the match Siyabonga Nkosi was gifted with two opportunities to put one over his old team, but on both occasions Walters was able to come out and block his close range efforts.

Chiefs with a new coach have been able to turn the tide in March with a display and performance that left the huge crowd at the ABSA Stadium cheering for more, The Amakhosi do not have any matches next week.

Co-incidentally their next game will be against Celtic in what will be an exhibition match, played in Port Elizabeth as a fund raiser for the Nelson Mandela Museum.

Kosta Papic though will be pleased to have gotten his Chiefs career off to a winning start, and will welcome the fact that his team will not be in competitive action until the 7th April when they host Black Leopards. As he will be able to use the free time to give them some rest before a busy month of April and will be aiming to finish off the season in second spot.

Line Up’s:

Kaizer Chiefs: 1. R. Fernandez, 2. J. Tau, 4. C. Nzama, 21. P. Mayo, 13. D. Obua,

11. E. Ngobese, 18. A. Zwane (27. Sibeko 77 min), 10. S. Nkosi,

17. S. Bartlett (20. Agyemang 70 min), 7. K. Motaung Jnr

Substitutes: 16. R. Wuest, 28. D. Spencer, 44. S. Mkhonza, 20. L. Agyemang,

9. S. Djiehoua, 27. G. Sibeko, 25. G. Schalkwyk

Bloemfontein Celtic: 30. S. Walters, 12. J. Madidilane (14. Noble 78 min), 2. T. Nthethe, 5. L. Mphongoa, 28. G. Goldstone, 16. S. Chalwe, 18. J. Maduka, 23. N. Sikhakhane,

10. K. Taaibos, 19. P. Mahlatsi, 9. S. Mmethi (26. Solomons 67min)

Substitutes: 31. P. Omony, 21. C. Mubiala, 15. T. Liau, 26. J. Solomons, 14. R. Noble,

4. A. Nteo, 20. B. Tipa

Officials:

Referee: Mahlomola Jonas Nhlapho


Assistant 1: Siphiwe Jibiliza


Assistant 2: Geronimo Piedt


4th Official: Zolile Mthetho


Match Commissioner: Robert Pillay