Kaizer Chiefs extend perfect start with victory over Richards Bay at FNB Stadium

Kaizer Chiefs made it three wins from three in the Betway Premiership after edging Richards Bay 1-0 at FNB Stadium on Tuesday night, a result that keeps them joint top of the table with Sekhukhune United.

IOL Sport's Matshelane Mamabolo reports that Chiefs’ stand-in coach Ben Youssef Khalil introduced Gaston Sirino for Siphesihle Ndlovu in the second half, and the substitute quickly delivered.

Richards Bay were advancing when Sirino stole the ball and sparked a counter. Wandile Duba carried it down the right before squaring to Mduduzi Shabalala, who cleverly let the ball run through his legs. Sirino arrived and struck first time, lifting his shot over goalkeeper Salim Magoola.

The goal secured maximum points on a night when Chiefs dominated but struggled to convert earlier chances.

The stand-in coach, though pleased with the result, said that Chiefs could, realistically, have done better. "I think from the beginning of the first half, we took the game – the intensity was there and we got a lot of opportunities to score," said Ben Youssef.

"I was happy for the first 15 minutes, but after we scored the first goal, we have to always think of killing the game off and score the second goal.”

Chiefs on the Front Foot

From the outset, Amakhosi pressed forward. In the 7th minute, Duba sent in a dangerous cross that went untouched. Soon after, Glody Lilepo forced Magoola into a spectacular save with a powerful effort from the edge of the box.

Lilepo and Ndlovu combined well down the right, only for the Congolese forward to blaze over from inside the box. Bradley Cross was also heavily involved, delivering dangerous balls from the left. One of his crosses nearly found Duba, who stretched but could not connect.

Before halftime, Shabalala fired over after a slick build-up, leaving the teams goalless at the break.

Two minutes into the second half, Chiefs almost forced an own goal from Lindokuhle Zikhali after Lilepo’s header created panic in the Richards Bay defence. On 53 minutes, Duba had a free header from a Cross delivery but placed it straight at Magoola.

Injury Setback

Chiefs suffered a blow when defender Aiden McCarthy limped off injured in the 35th minute after a late sliding tackle on Thulani Gumede. He was replaced by Zitha Kwinika, who unexpectedly received the captain’s armband from Miguel Inacio.

The introduction of Mfundo Vilakazi brought excitement, with the youngster dazzling the crowd with his footwork, though without reward.

The coach was, however, not completely impressed, saying that trying to entertain the fans was a mistake, and that the players should rather focus on tying up the result. “Our players started to enjoy with the fans, and I can understand, but we discussed that in the change room now – you always have to take it serious to finish the game.

"But let me say congratulations to them, I think they deserved [the victory] and they played a very good game today."

With three straight wins, Chiefs remain unbeaten and in control early in the campaign. Their attacking depth, midfield creativity, and defensive cover all impressed on the night, setting a strong platform for the season ahead.

Tuesday night's Betway Premiership results:

Orbit College 0-3 Sekhukhune United

Siwelele 0-1 Polokwane City

Durban City FC 1-1 Golden Arrows

Chippa United 1-4 TS Galaxy

Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 Richards Bay