Kaizer Chiefs began the Molefi Ntseki era with a goalless draw against Chippa United in their DStv Premiership opener on Sunday afternoon.
DStv Premiership
Result: Kaizer Chiefs 0-0 Chippa United
Date: 06 August 2023
Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium
Chiefs gave four new signings their debuts, with Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, Given Msimango, Edson Castillo and Ranga Chivaviro all getting starts, while Goodman Mosele and Augustine Mulenga made their first appearances for the Chilli Boys.
The game got off to a lively start as Mduduzi Shabalala came close to opening the scoring for Amakhosi on 17 minutes after goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was caught out of his area but his shot missed just wide.
Molefi Ntseki's charges gained momentum and had a good chance three minutes later after they were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the box but Nkosingiphile Ngcobo curled his effort over the top.
The home side continued to have the bulk of the possession in the latter phase of the first stanza but they could not go through Chippa, with Chivaviro crowded, as the score remained goalless at halftime.
Neither side could take the game by the scruff of the neck early in the second stanza and to inject pace going forward for Chiefs around the hour-mark, Ntseki brought on Ashley Du Preez in place of Shabalala while Chippa also made attacking alterations, that included a debut for Luvuyo Memela.
The game opened up after that but the Chilli Boys were the most threatening side and with 20 minutes to go, Amakhosi eventually brought on new signings Tebogo Potsane and Mduduzi Mdantsane in a change of shape going forward.
The Glamour Boys started playing with flair and confidence going forward after that but they were not getting in the last third of Chippa and could not test Nwabali in goal and were eventually frustrated to a goalless draw.
Chiefs will be back in action on Wednesday afternoon against Mamelodi Sundowns, while the Chilli Boys host TS Galaxy.
Here's how they lined up:
Kaizer Chiefs: 1. Petersen, 23. Hlanti, 24. Ditlhokwe, 25. Msimango, 39. Frosler, 8. Maart, 17. Castillo, 42. Shabalala, 12. Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, 21. Salie, 7. Chivaviro
Subs: 44. Bvuma, 27. Njabulo Ngcobo, 4. Kwinika, 6. Sithebe, 37. Zwane, 3. Mdantsane, 33. Radebe, 11. Potsane, 9. Du Preez
Chippa United: 32. Nwabali, 2. Mdunyelwa, 5. Pietersen, 33. Chabalala, 3. Ntsabo, 28. Lebitso, 20. Mosele, 24. Konqobe, 15. Mulenga, 13. Luthuli, 17. Ndwandwe
Subs: 1. Kazapua, 7. Mbenyane, 10. Memela, 11. Maarman, 18. Molaoa, 19. Majogoro, 21. Nkwanyana, 25. Kammies, 30. Martin
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