Chiefs continue superb start in Betway Premiership

Kaizer Chiefs © Backpagepix

Gastón Sirino’s second-half strike proved enough to keep Kaizer Chiefs’ winning streak alive as they beat Richards Bay 1-0 in their Betway Premiership encounter at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

With new signings Luke Baartman, Asanele Velebayi and Etiosa Ighodaro watching on, the Uruguayan opened his account for the season as Amakhosi remained undefeated, extending their winning streak to three games in a row.

The Glamour Boys sit second in the Betway Premiership standings and are yet to concede a goal this season.

Conversely, the Natal Rich Boyz' woes continue.

They have lost four games to start the season (including a defeat in the MTN8), only scoring once, and sit bottom of the log.

They only managed two shots the entire game and struggled to get the ball, registering 31 per cent possession.

Chiefs started with intent and created the first chance of the game in the seventh minute, as Siphesihle Ndlovu’s cross from the right hand side flew across the box with Bradley Cross unable to get a touch.

Thabiso Monyane had his shot blocked on the edge of the area and collected by Salim Magoola to prevent a corner in the ninth minute.

The Glamour Boys continued to create chances and Magoola was forced into action in the 12th minute to deny Glody Lilepo’s effort from just outside the box.

Lilepo combined with Wandile Duba for a one-two on the edge of the area in the 20th minute but Lilepo’s effort went well over the goal.

SIRINO STRIKES

Chiefs were dealt a blow in the 32nd minute as Aden McCarthy was taken off after a knock in his own box and was replaced by Zitha Kwinika.

In the 38th minute, Cross put a dangerous ball into the box but Simphiwe Mcineka headed it away.

However, Richards Bay failed to clear the ball, allowing Mduduzi Shabalala a shot from the edge of the area that travelled over the crossbar.

Amakhosi continued to dominate at the start of the second half and nearly netted in the 47th minute.

Lilepo’s header at the back post was denied by a diving Lindokuhle Zikhali, sending the ball behind for a corner.

Duba should have put Chiefs in front in the 53rd minute as he was found alone in the box, but his header travelled into the ground and straight at Magoola, making for an easy save.

The home side were rewarded for their persistence in the 57th minute, as Duba dribbled into the box and cut the ball back for substitute Gastón Sirino, who found the top right corner with a fantastic finish.

The Natal Rich Boyz continued to struggle and nearly conceded again in the 85th minute, but Magoola did well to deny substitute Mfundo Vilakazi from close range.

Amakhosi will face a tough test next Wednesday as they look to continue their unbeaten run against Mamelodi Sundowns at the FNB Stadium.

Richards Bay will finally return to their home ground as their quest for their first win of the season continues when they host Chippa United at the Richards Bay Stadium on Tuesday.

Kaizer Chiefs (0) 1 (Sirino 57’)

Richards Bay 0

Kaizer Chiefs: B. Peterson, B. Cross, A. McCarthy (Z. Kwinika 36’), I. Miguel, T. Monyane, T. Cele, S. Mthethwa (N. Ngcobo 46’), S. Ndlovu (G. Sirino 46’), M. Shabalala (M. Vilakazi 85’), W. Duba (P. Mmodi 68’), G. Lilepo

Richards Bay: S. Magoola, H. Vilakazi, S. Mntungwa, T. Mabua, S. Mcineka, T. Mthethwa, T. Gumede (M. Nombengula 42’), M. Mthembu, L. Mahala (G. Mahango 66’), L. Zikhali (T. Zuke 76’), S. Nzama (M. Thikazi 66’)

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