September 12, 18:40IOL

AmaZulu beats Marumo Gallants, overtaking Kaizer Chiefs in the Betway Premiership table

The AmaZulu team secured an important 1–0 victory over Marumo Gallants at Princess Magogo Stadium in Durban. Thanks to this success, AmaZulu moved up to third place in the Betway Premiership standings, tying on points with champions Orlando Pirates with 13 points.

The main hero of the day was AmaZulu forward Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya. His winning goal allowed the Usuthu team to climb in the rankings, while Amakhosi suffered a disappointing 1–1 draw away against Polokwane City.

The goal that secured the win in Durban was scored in the 36th minute following a well-executed flank attack. Nkhosikona Radebe delivered an accurate cross into the penalty area, allowing Ngwenya to position himself ahead of two defenders and powerfully strike the ball past Wendeu Merlin. This goal allowed Ngwenya to enter history as the first player to score in each of the first six matches of the PSL season.

AmaZulu maintained control of the game in the second half, regularly initiating attacks through the dangerous left pair of Omega Mdaka and rotating midfielders. Gallants' hopes for a comeback were completely dashed in the 77th minute when Edgar Manaka received a second yellow card, depriving ten players of the opportunity to prevent AmaZulu from comfortably concluding the match and joining Pirates on 13 points.

Situation in Polokwane

Meanwhile, at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, Kaizer Chiefs remained disappointed about lost positions, earning one point in the match against Polokwane City. Amakhosi took the lead in the 28th minute when Lebohang Maboe skillfully controlled a high pass over the Rise and Shine defense and sent the ball into the net.

Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen had previously kept the score level by making impressive double saves in the 19th minute. Bradley Cross and Etiosa Ighodaro also missed chances early in the second half to double the visitors' advantage.

The course of the match changed drastically in the 72nd minute due to a regrettable goalkeeping error. Polokwane substitute Giovanni Philander delivered an elegant corner kick that went out of Petersen's sight near the near post and crossed the goal line, leveling the score.

Spurred by the goal, Polokwane almost managed to secure all three points towards the end of the game. Substitute Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko directed a free-kick wide, Pule Mmodi received a dangerous foul on the edge of the box, and Faiz Abrahams attempted an ambitious curling shot, but it passed by the post by a centimeter. Chiefs could not score the decisive goal, leaving Amakhosi behind Usuthu in the table, while the Machete Moloto team celebrated a deserved point.

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iol.co.zaSeptember 9, 20:00

Young player Kaizer Chiefs revealed the secret instruction behind his spectacular free-kick

Faiz Abrahams shared information about the secret to the goal he scored for Kaizer Chiefs against Siwelele. He revealed that his coach, Wandile Duba, gave him a specific instruction during the preparation for the kick.

Spectacular Strike

The 21-year-old Abrahams came on as a substitute, making only his second appearance for the Amakhosi team, and demonstrated a brilliant moment by scoring the decisive goal in Chiefs' 3-2 victory in the Betway Premiership on Sunday at Dobsonville stadium.

When the score was 2-1 and Chiefs were leading in the 76th minute, they were awarded a free-kick deep in Siwelele's territory, midway between the left sideline and the penalty area. As Abrahams prepared to take responsibility, Wandile Duba gave him a simple instruction.

Abrahams told the club's media department: 'When I went to take the free-kick, (Wandile) Duba told me not to pass the ball to anyone, but to try and shoot.' This advice proved effective. Abrahams softly struck the ball with his technical right foot, curving it into the far corner of the goal. The ball first hit the post and then bounced into the net past Siwelele's goalkeeper, Samukelo Khulu, increasing Chiefs' lead to 3-1.

Despite Siwelele managing to score a late consolation goal, Abrahams' strike proved decisive, as Chiefs maintained their victory. For the young player, this was a reward for the hard work he has put in since joining the club. He noted: 'It was great because I worked very hard.'

Abrahams intends to use this moment as a springboard to cement his place in the Chiefs squad, rather than letting this happen once. He stated: 'I will just keep working hard and giving my all in training. I aim to maintain consistency and always keep my level of performance.'

This goal also boosted his confidence ahead of an important upcoming Betway Premiership match where Chiefs will play against Polokwane City on Saturday. Abrahams notes that match planning remains with coach Fernando da Cruz, but is confident that the players are ready to follow instructions. 'The coach will develop the plan for this weekend, and we will go out and execute it,' he added. The match will start at 15:00 at the old Peter Mokaba stadium.

iol.co.zaSeptember 3, 07:45

Kaizer Chiefs receive defensive reinforcement ahead of match against Siwelele

The Kaizer Chiefs team has received significant reinforcement in the defensive line ahead of the upcoming meeting with Siwelele. Left-back Bradley Cross returned to training and was observed alongside Thabo Molosane, the central defender, and other teammates.

Kaizer Chiefs have received timely defensive reinforcement before the Betway Premiership match against Siwelele FC, as several players recover from injuries. The team has faced a number of injuries in recent weeks, particularly in the left-back position.

Coach Fernando Da Cruz confirmed on Wednesday that Paseka Mako, Bradley Cross, and Kabelo Nkgweisa have returned to training. Chiefs will host Siwelele at Dobsonville Stadium on Sunday, aiming to return to winning form after a draw with Richards Bay at Princess Magogo Stadium last week.

The defense against Natal Rich Boys caused concern for Da Cruz, as Chiefs conceded twice due to costly errors. The return of Mako and Cross, therefore, comes at a very opportune time for the French coach.

In recent weeks, Chiefs lacked a recognized left-back, forcing winger Pule Mmodi to cover the role. However, Da Cruz warned that the returning players are not yet ready to immediately take part in full competitive action.

Da Cruz stated at the Chiefs training ground that Monjane will be unable to participate until the FIFA international window due to an injury expected to last four weeks, and Phil is injured for eight weeks. Nevertheless, he noted that players have returned: Mako, Cross, Kabelo [Nkgweisa], and Riv Froesler, but they are not yet in ideal physical condition, so they are returning gradually. He also added that Flavio Silva will be ready in one or two weeks.

Despite Mako, Cross, Nkgweisa, and Riv Froesler being back in the squad, Tabiso Monjane and Langelihle Phil remain unavailable. Da Cruz confirmed that they can only return after the FIFA international break from September 21st to October 6th, meaning they will miss Sunday's match against Siwelele.

Flavio Silva is also nearing his return, and the Chiefs coach expects the forward to be ready within the next one or two weeks. More defensive options will be welcomed by Da Cruz as Chiefs try to maintain their unbeaten start and catch up with leaders Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.

Currently, Amakhosi are in third place in the table with eight points from four matches, trailing Sundowns by two points and Pirates by five points, who have played one more match.