“Duba told me to score” — and Faiz Abrahams duly delivered as the Kaizer Chiefs youngster announced himself in spectacular fashion against Siwelele.
The 21-year-old came off the bench to make only his second appearance for Amakhosi and produced a moment of brilliance, scoring the decisive goal in Chiefs’ 3-2 Betway Premiership victory at Dobsonville Stadium on Sunday.
With Chiefs leading 2-1 in the 76th minute, they won a free kick deep inside Siwelele territory, midway between the left touchline and the penalty area.
As Abrahams prepared to take responsibility, Wandile Duba had a simple instruction for his teammate.
“When I went to take the free kick, (Wandile) Duba told me not to cross the ball for anyone but to try and score,” Abrahams told the club’s media department.
The advice worked.
Abrahams struck the ball sweetly with his cultured right foot, sending it curling towards the far post. The effort struck the post before rebounding into the net via Siwelele goalkeeper Samukelo Xulu to put Chiefs 3-1 ahead.
Siwelele scored a late consolation goal, but Abrahams’ strike ultimately proved decisive as Chiefs held on for victory.
For the youngster, it was the reward for the work he has put in since joining the club.
“It felt great because I have been working very hard,” he said.
Rather than allowing the moment to become a one-off, Abrahams wants to use it as a platform to establish himself at Chiefs.
“I’m just going to keep working hard and giving my all in training. I aim to stay consistent and always keep my performance levels up.”
His goal has also given him confidence heading into another important Betway Premiership assignment, with Chiefs travelling to face Polokwane City on Saturday.
Abrahams is leaving the planning to coach Fernando da Cruz, but says the players will be ready to execute the instructions.
“The coach will set a plan for this weekend, and we will go out and execute it,” he said.
The encounter kicks off at 3pm at the old Peter Mokaba Stadium.
