Chiefs off to winning start

by Staff Reporter

Sunday Aug 04, 2019. 17:23

Kaizer Chiefs got their Absa Premiership campaign off to a winning start with a 3-2 victory over Highlands Park at Makhulong Stadium in Tembisa on Sunday afternoon.

The Amakhosi hit the front with just five minutes on the clock as Lebogang Manyama nodded home Kearyn Baccus’ pin-point cross.

Highlands, though, wouldn’t have to wait long for their opening goal of the season as Rodney Ramagalela hammered home from close range in the 22nd minute, to mark his debut with a goal.

The Lions of the North were the better team for most of the first half and carried that momentum into the second as Peter Shalulile handed the hosts the lead, firing home from close range.

Chiefs levelled matters in the 50th minute through Manyama who completed his brace. The former Cape Town City captain well positioned to volley home Samir Nurkovic’s cushion header.

Eric Mathoho scored the winner with seven minutes of regulation time remaining to cap an exciting opening weekend of league action.

The towering defender only had eyes for goal as the ball fell to him on the edge of the area and he was duly rewarded as his shot took a wicked deflection on its way to finding the back of the net and clinching all three points for the visitors in the process.

Highlands Park (1) 2 (Ramagalela 22′ Shalulile 47′)

Kaizer Chiefs (1) 3 (Manyama 5′ 50′ Mathoho 83′)

Highlands Park: Heugh; Mokoena, Ramoraka, Fransman, Mzava, Makhaula (Nyembe 77′), Mahlangu, Mbatha, Jooste (Mbunjana 65′), Shalulile, Ramagalela (Mbhele 77′).

Kaizer Chiefs: Bvuma; Gordinho, Mathoho, Cardoso, Frosler (Mphahlele 82′), Katsande (Maluleka 64′), Manyama, Baccus (Zuma 46′), Parker, Nurkovic, Kambole.