Posted in Match Report, News on Dec 09, 2017.
Kaizer Chiefs (0) 1 (Tshabalala 71’)
Platinum Stars 0
Kaizer Chiefs beat Platinum Stars 1-0 in an Absa Premiership match at Rustenburg’s Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Saturday night. The winner was scored by substitute Siphiwe Tshabalala in the 71st minute.
There were three changes compared to Wednesday’s 1-0 loss to Chippa United. Bhongolethu Jayiya, Dumsani Zuma and Gustavo Páez came in for Siphiwe Tshabalala, Hendrick Ekstein and Bernard Parker.
Chiefs have done pretty well on the road in seven league matches this season, winning three, drawing three and losing once, against Chippa.
The first half was a rather quiet affair, with both teams not getting much goalscoring chances.
Chiefs defence looked composed, while they were also competing well in the centre of the park.
Stars, however, defended well and, more importantly, in numbers. It meant that the Glamour Boys didn’t get any real chances in the first half. The home side looked at times a bit more threatening, but Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune never had much to do.
The second half was open with both sides being more willing to attack. Stars got a few slight chances, but Khune was again in fine form, making a few crucial saves.
Chiefs, on the other hand, also got their goalscoring opportunities. However, Joseph Molangoane and Willard Katsande were unable to finish from close range.
The Glamour Boys were the better side in the second half.
Coach Steve Komphela decided to ring the changes in the 56th minute, bringing on Tshabalala (for Jayiya) and Bernard Parker (for Zuma).
It resulted in a goal 15 minutes later when a well-weighted ball from Philani Zulu from the left flew high into the box, Parker made a good run getting two defenders with him, which left Tshabalala unmarked – ‘Shabba’ easily finished with a header, 1-0.
And that’s how it stayed. Chiefs played much better in the second half and justifiably got the three points.
Key moment in the match:
That must be the moment when coach Steve Komphela decided to bring on Bernard Parker and Siphiwe Tshabalala in the 56th minute. Kaizer Chiefs started to play better thereafter and it resulted in Shabba’s goal in the 71th minute.
Most Valuable Player (MVP):
Itumeleng Khune made again some great saves, while Siphiwe Tshabalala and Bernard Parker did well after coming on in the second half. George Maluleka also delivered an excellent performance. However, in the end, it was Philani Zulu who was selected as the Absa Premiership Man of the Match.
What it means:
Amakhosi are now in second spot on the Absa Premiership log, having collected 19 points from 14 matches. That’s as many points as log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, although they have four games in hand.
Kaizer Chiefs 11: Khune; Hadebe, Cardoso, Ngezana; Molangoane, Katsande, Maluleka, Jayiya (Tshabalala 56’), Zulu; Zuma (Parker 56’), Páez (Meyiwa 78’)
Subs not used: Khuzwayo, Mathoho, Malope, Ekstein
Platinum Stars 11: Visser; Mnguni, Mwedihanga, Sithole, Zulu; Otladisa, Ng’ambi, Masalesa (Moname 80’), Mere, Msomi (Nyanda 54’); Ntuli (Matlakala 68’)
Subs not used: Mzimela, Mkhabela, De Jongh, Mthethwa
Next Match:
Kaizer Chiefs will next host Ajax Cape Town at home-away-from-home in an Absa Premiership clash at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, 16 December. Kick-off is at 20:15.