Posted in Match Report, News, Team News on May 25, 2024.
Cape Town Spurs (1) 2
(Cupido 36’, Morton 74’)
Kaizer Chiefs (0) 0
DHL stadium, Cape Town
Kaizer Chiefs endured one of the most disappointing days in the Club’s illustrious history when an injury-ravaged Amakhosi outfit went down 2-0 against Cape Town Spurs at the DHL stadium on Saturday in the final match of the season to finish outside the Top 8 in the 2023/24 DStv Premiership standings.
Two defensive errors, one in each half, allowed Ashely Cupido and Michael Morton to score for the already-relegated home side on a day when Cavin Johnson’s team could not achieve the result they needed to finish in the top half of the league table. Their 10th placed finish is the lowest ever league finish for Chiefs.
In a largely forgettable opening half-hour that produced no goalmouth action to speak of, Amakhosi looked comfortable and in control, particularly when out of possession where they looked rock solid.
Offensively, there were some promising moments but too many loose passes went astray to provide any real threat to the Urban Warriors.
Christian Saile came close in the 26th minute when he timed his run to beat the Spurs offside trap but failed by an inch to get on the end of Mdu Mdantsane’s clever ball over the top.
The hosts took the lead in a strange fashion after 36 minutes. The Amakhosi midfield inexplicably failed to clear a bouncing ball just outside their penalty area and when it fell to Cupido, the striker steadied himself under no pressure before placing a powerful shot beyond the reach of Bruce Bvuma.
In first-half stoppage time, Saile stung the palms of Spurs ‘keeper, Neil Boshoff with a stinging drive from 20 yards out and moments later, at the other end, Bvuma pulled off an acrobatic flying save to tip Asenele Velebayi’s fierce shot onto the woodwork to keep the score down to just one at the half-time break..
With no option but to go for goals in the second half, Amakhosi went all out on the attack.
Substitute, Mfundo Vilakazi went close with a shot that slipped just past the post after 54 minutes and Thatayaone Ditlhokwe had a towering header saved by Boshoff from a Mduduzi Shabalala corner.
With so much commitment going forward, Chiefs were vulnerable to quick counter attacks and escaped when Katleho Maphate missed a presentable chance a few minutes later.
Amakhosi did have the ball in the Spurs net in the 72nd minute through Shabalala, although he was deemed offside when he latched onto Siyethemba Sithebe’s through ball.
The second goal arrived after another sub, Edson Castillo dallied on the ball deep inside his half and was robbed of possession. The ball found its way to Chumani Butsaka whose shot was parried by Bvuma. Unfortunately, it fell into the path of Morton, who had an easy finish into an unguarded goal.
As desperation took over, the shape of the game deteriorated and Chiefs lacked the cohesion to create any meaningful chances and they might have conceded further as they left gaping holes at the back.
However, neither team managed to add to the scoreline and the match ended in disappointment for the Amakhosi Faithful, despite once again, demonstrating their incredible loyalty and support for the Gold & Black.
Line-ups:
Kaizer Chiefs: Bvuma (44), Jansen (29), Hlanti (23) (Castillo (17) 70’), Ditlhokwe (24), Msimango © (25), Mthethwa (5) (Maart (8) 45’), Sithebe (6), Mdantsane (3) (Vilakazi (28) 45’), Shabalala (42), Basomboli Saile (21) (Radebe (33) 70’), Chivaviro (7) (Duba (36) 45’)
Subs not used: Khune (32); Kwinika (4), Nj Ngcobo (27), McCarthy (35)
Coach: Cavin Johnson
Cape Town Spurs: Boschoff (43), Velebayi (17) (Ryan (11) 68’), Morton (14), Moosa (22) (Mfecane (31) 86’), Dortly (24), Cupido (29) (Maduna (45) 76’) Butsaka ©(33) (Radiopane (20) 86’), Nkwali (36), Gumede (42), Mokeke (48) (Allie (2) 86’), Maphathe (50)
Subs not used: Dlamini (1), Stander (3), Braithewaite (38), Jakalashe (41)
Coach: Ernst Middendorp
