Like a year ago, Kaizer Chiefs once more won their opening Betway Premiership clash of the season as hopes for the Soweto Giants soared.
In their trip to Athlone Stadium on Sunday evening, their hosts Stellenbosch FC were dealt a critical blow inside the first quarter hour mark as Siviwe Nkwali was red-carded for a foul on Chiefs’ Mduduzi Shabalala just outside the box.
The resultant free-kick was expertly taken by Nkosingiphile Ngcobo who made it 1-0.
The scoreline would remain for the rest of the contest until added time when Chiefs were awarded a penalty, in what would have been the final move of the game. Glody Lilepo stepped up and converted from the spot to seal a 2-0 scoreline.
Chiefs’ Wild Celebrations and Last Season’s Early Struggles
The win prompted wild celebrations from the players and especially the Chiefs fans.
However, it’s worth remembering that Chiefs won their first two matches last season under then-new coach Nasreddine Nabi.
That was of course until Chiefs faced the mighty Mamelodi Sundowns in their third fixture. Though there was some controversy around the officiating in that clash, it resulted in a 2-1 loss to Chiefs and set the precedent for another frustrating season.
Currently, Chiefs are without their coach Nabi as he tends to a family emergency back home in Tunisia and it’s not clear when he will return.
In the meantime, Chiefs can enjoy their third place on the league table after the opening match. Only Siwelele and Durban City are ahead, while the champions Sundowns got off to a slow start with a draw against Chippa United.
@Michael_Sherman
IOL Sport
