KaizerChiefs’ lead at the top of the Absa Premiership table looks foreboding again, after last night’s 1-0 victory against AmaZulu at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Bernard Parker’s 18th-minute strike was enough to provide victory, though one that AmaZulu made Chiefs fight every inch for.
The result was so crucial Chiefs would probably even ruefully accept the 84th-minute dismissal of goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune.
The keeper’s unwise continued time-wasting and then remonstrating drew a brave double-booking from referee Phillip Tinyani in the space of a minute.
The week following Chiefs’ elimination from the Caf Champions League could turn out to be one of the most important in their effort to secure what has been their holy grail this season.
On a cold and, in the second half, wet night in Polokwane Amakhosi took a significant step towards a second PSL title in three years.
They extended their lead over Mamelodi Sundowns to 10 points with five matches remaining for the leaders.
With Sundowns, who have a game in hand, held to a draw by Mpumalanga Black Aces the night before, the chance was here for Chiefs to land a deadly blow.
There were also the ingredients available for an epic choke.
It has to be said, Chiefs showed the stuff that will make champions of a team ensuring they serve up the former with a characteristically measured and forceful display.
Missing their coach, Stuart Baxter, from the bench, serving the first of a two-match suspension, Amakhosi showed discipline under the instruction of assistant Doctor Khumalo that Baxter called for before the game.
That was until Khune’s moment of madness that resulted in a nervous close for Chiefs.
Usuthu coach Steve Barker had overseen a remarkable revival of five matches unbeaten to see the last-placed Durban side back in contention to survive relegation.
Barker sensed Chiefs would be out for blood and opted for three centre-backs – Sadat Ouro-Akoriko, Mbulelo Mabizela and Marc Van Heerden – behind two defensive midfielders in Robyn Johannes and John Arwuah.
Amakhosi, though, were in no mood to be stonewalled. They came out spreading the ball with intimidating authority, clearly intent on shutting out Usuthu.
And when the Soweto team pried their first real opening, the execution was deadly.
Bernard Parker advanced down left midfield and played a one-two with Tshabalala to burst through and slide a perfectly-placed finish past goalkeeper Energy Murambadoro.
Three minutes later George Lebese struck the crossbar with a volley.
Barker brought on two of his more dangerous attackers, Ayanda Dlamini and Asive Langwe, from the break.
And AmaZulu did attempt to play a more attacking game from the restart.
Khumalo replaced a tiring Katlego Mphela with Matthew Rusike just after the hour.
The striker was through to Parker’s pass two minutes after his introduction, but blasted wide. Rusike could also not profit from a comedy of errors by Murambadoro and his defence.
The rain in the second half played into Chiefs’ hands stifling AmaZulu. Then Khune saw red.
Chiefs hold their nerve to win
Bernard Parker’s 18th-minute strike was enough to provide victory, though one that AmaZulu made Chiefs fight every inch for.
The result was so crucial Chiefs would probably even ruefully accept the 84th-minute dismissal of goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune.
The keeper’s unwise continued time-wasting and then remonstrating drew a brave double-booking from referee Phillip Tinyani in the space of a minute.
The week following Chiefs’ elimination from the Caf Champions League could turn out to be one of the most important in their effort to secure what has been their holy grail this season.
On a cold and, in the second half, wet night in Polokwane Amakhosi took a significant step towards a second PSL title in three years.
They extended their lead over Mamelodi Sundowns to 10 points with five matches remaining for the leaders.
With Sundowns, who have a game in hand, held to a draw by Mpumalanga Black Aces the night before, the chance was here for Chiefs to land a deadly blow.
There were also the ingredients available for an epic choke.
It has to be said, Chiefs showed the stuff that will make champions of a team ensuring they serve up the former with a characteristically measured and forceful display.
Missing their coach, Stuart Baxter, from the bench, serving the first of a two-match suspension, Amakhosi showed discipline under the instruction of assistant Doctor Khumalo that Baxter called for before the game.
That was until Khune’s moment of madness that resulted in a nervous close for Chiefs.
Usuthu coach Steve Barker had overseen a remarkable revival of five matches unbeaten to see the last-placed Durban side back in contention to survive relegation.
Barker sensed Chiefs would be out for blood and opted for three centre-backs – Sadat Ouro-Akoriko, Mbulelo Mabizela and Marc Van Heerden – behind two defensive midfielders in Robyn Johannes and John Arwuah.
Amakhosi, though, were in no mood to be stonewalled. They came out spreading the ball with intimidating authority, clearly intent on shutting out Usuthu.
And when the Soweto team pried their first real opening, the execution was deadly.
Bernard Parker advanced down left midfield and played a one-two with Tshabalala to burst through and slide a perfectly-placed finish past goalkeeper Energy Murambadoro.
Three minutes later George Lebese struck the crossbar with a volley.
Barker brought on two of his more dangerous attackers, Ayanda Dlamini and Asive Langwe, from the break.
And AmaZulu did attempt to play a more attacking game from the restart.
Khumalo replaced a tiring Katlego Mphela with Matthew Rusike just after the hour.
The striker was through to Parker’s pass two minutes after his introduction, but blasted wide. Rusike could also not profit from a comedy of errors by Murambadoro and his defence.
The rain in the second half played into Chiefs’ hands stifling AmaZulu. Then Khune saw red.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos