Maluleka helps Middendorp to winning start

by Staff Reporter

Wednesday Dec 12, 2018. 21:54

Ernst Middendorp got off to a winning start in his second spell at Kaizer Chiefs as the Amakhosi registered a 1-0 Absa Premiership win over SuperSport United at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on Wednesday evening.

George Maluleka scored the only goal of the game as the Glamour Boys move up to fifth place on the log standings, six points off the pace. SuperSport fall to seventh.

The Amakhosi were the dominant side from the onset and should've had the lead before the break, but Ronwen Williams was proving a tough man to beat.

Khama Billiat was the main protagonist for the hosts, teeing up a wasteful Leonardo Castro before playing a delightful through ball to Lebogang Manyama who saw his shot well saved by the Matsatsantsa shot-stopper.

Billiat himself called Williams into action in the 40th minute after bursting through on goal, but again the goal-minder stood firm. Goalless at the break.

Maluleka fired the hosts in front in the 54th minute with a powerful effort from the edge of the area. Donning the captain's armband in place of the injured Itumeleng Khune and suspended Willard Katsande, Maluleka rose to the occasion.

SuperSport tried to find a way back into the clash in the closing stages, but never really tested Virgil Vries in the Chiefs' goal as a strike from their former midfielder condemned them to a second successive defeat in the league.

Kaizer Chiefs (0) 1 (Maluleka 64')

SuperSport United (0) 0

Kaizer Chiefs: Vries; Moleko, Booysen, Cardoso, Walusimbi, Maluleka, Ntshangase (Mahlasela 46'), Zulu (Zuma 90+4'), Manyama, Billiat, Castro (Parker 61').

SuperSport United: Williams; Kekana, Gould, Daniels, Bhasera, Ntshangase, Mokoena (Lungu 76'), Mbule (Keene 60'), Modiba, Lakay (Phala 46'), Rusike.