Kaizer Chiefs moved up to fifth place on the Betway Premiership table with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Stellenbosch FC on Wednesday evening at the FNB Stadium.
The win was a crucial one for Chiefs as they continued their push for a top-four finish, which would guarantee them continental football next season. Despite being pushed hard by a resilient Stellenbosch side, the Amakhosi showed their class and determination to secure all three points.
The match started at a fast pace, with both teams looking to establish early dominance. Chiefs controlled the possession early on but found it difficult to break down a well-organized Stellenbosch defense. The visitors, on the other hand, were dangerous on the counter-attack, using the pace of their forwards to threaten Chiefs’ backline.
It wasn’t until the 32nd minute that the deadlock was broken. A brilliant piece of individual skill from Kaizer Chiefs winger Khama Billiat created the opening. Billiat weaved through several defenders before finding the feet of attacker Keagan Dolly, who calmly slotted the ball past Stellenbosch goalkeeper Sage Stephens to give Chiefs the lead.
The goal gave Chiefs a much-needed boost, and they looked more comfortable in possession after the breakthrough. Stellenbosch responded positively, though, and started to push forward in search of an equalizer. Their efforts were rewarded in the 57th minute when a well-placed cross from Marc van Heerden was met by the head of forward Iqraam Rayners, who powered the ball past Chiefs’ goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi to level the score at 1-1.
With the game tied, both teams continued to search for a winner, and it was Chiefs who regained the advantage in the 75th minute. The match’s defining moment came when Dolly, who had been instrumental throughout, sent in a perfectly delivered corner kick. The ball was met by the head of Chiefs captain, Itumeleng Khune, whose powerful header found the back of the net to make it 2-1. The goal sparked wild celebrations from the home supporters, who had been nervously awaiting a breakthrough.
The final stages of the game saw Stellenbosch pushing for an equalizer, but Chiefs’ defense, led by Khune, held firm. The visitors were unable to create any real clear-cut chances, and Chiefs comfortably saw out the remainder of the match to secure all three points.
The victory lifted Kaizer Chiefs into fifth place on the Betway Premiership standings, with 30 points, just a few points behind the top four. Chiefs head coach Arthur Zwane was visibly relieved after the match, praising his players for their resilience and ability to bounce back from a tough second half.
“We knew it was going to be a difficult game, but I’m proud of the way the team responded,” Zwane said. “We were clinical when we needed to be, and we defended well in the second half. It was a crucial win for us, and we’ll keep pushing to climb higher up the table.”
Zwane also singled out Dolly for his impressive performance, highlighting the playmaker’s role in both goals. “Keagan has been outstanding for us all season, and he showed his quality again tonight. His creativity and vision are invaluable to the team.”
Stellenbosch, meanwhile, will be disappointed with the result, especially after they had fought so hard to level the score. Despite their positive play, they were unable to capitalize on their chances and were undone by Chiefs’ set-piece delivery. Coach Steve Barker will take heart from his side’s effort and the fight they showed throughout, but he will also know that they need to be more clinical in front of goal.
“I thought we played well and gave a good account of ourselves, but we need to be more ruthless when we get those opportunities,” Barker said. “The second goal we conceded was a bit unfortunate, but we can’t dwell on it. We have to learn from this and focus on our next game.”
The loss leaves Stellenbosch in mid-table, with 26 points, and they will need to regroup quickly as they look to stay in the hunt for a top-eight finish.
For Kaizer Chiefs, the win provides a much-needed boost as they continue their pursuit of a top-four spot. The team will now look ahead to their upcoming fixtures, knowing that consistency will be key to achieving their goals.
As for Stellenbosch, they will need to pick themselves up and bounce back in their next outing. With the competition in the league intensifying, every point will be crucial as they aim to maintain their place in the upper half of the table.
Both teams will now turn their attention to the next round of matches in the Betway Premiership, with Kaizer Chiefs hoping to build on this win, while Stellenbosch will aim to return to winning ways.
