Kaizer Chiefs were crowned CUFA Cup champions after overcoming Marumo Gallants via the penalty shoot-out on Sunday afternoon.
CUFA Cup
Result: Marumo Gallants 0-0 Kaizer Chiefs (Chiefs won 4-3 on penalties)
Date: 13 October 2024
Venue: Toyota Stadium
Chiefs made five changes from the defeat against Mamelodi Sundowns, as goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma, Given Msimango, Njabulo Blom, Samkelo Zwane and Christian Saile were recalled.
Amakhosi had a few break attacks in the opening exchanges, as just after ten minutes, Wandile Duba went clear on goal but he was denied by goalkeeper Kagiso Mlambo in a one-on-one.
As the game opened up, Gallants also had a one-on-one chance ten minutes later Bvuma also came out tops for Nasreddine Nabi's charges.
The Glamour Boys were forced to make a change around the half-hour mark as Saile could not continue due to injury and he was replaced by 18-year-old Mfundo Vilakazi.
Following a water break moments later, Chiefs slowed down the tempo of their attacks, as they were composed in the last third and on the stroke of half-time Ranga Chivaviro had a good chance after going through on goal but his shot lacked power and was saved by Mlambo.
Dan Malesela's charges had a bright start in the second stanza, as eight later Sekela Sithole almost broke the deadlock with a free header in the box that sailed just over the crossbar.
Nabi's men also increased their intensity and around the hour-mark, Chivaviro had a blasting shot that required strong hands from Mlambo.
The Tunisian mentor eventually made attacking changes, as Nkosingiphile Ngcobo and Pule Mmodi both came on for Shabalala and Chivaviro for fresh legs.
The Glamour Boys continued to have momentum and with 17 minutes left, Reeve Frosler almost got the breakthrough with a looping shot that Mlambo spilled but just about got enough to deflect the shot over the crossbar.
The game went straight to penalties and Bvuma was the hero for Chiefs, as he saved two spot-kicks and inspired the Glamour Boys to a 4-3 win.
Here's how they lined up:
Kaizer Chiefs: Bvuma, Frosler, Miguel , Msimango, Cross, Blom, Zwane, Shabalala, Saile, Duba, Chivaviro
Subs: Petersen, Kwinika, Sam, Solomons, Mthethwa, Maart, Ngcobo, Mdantsane, Mmodi, Vilakazi, Du Preez
Marumo Gallants: K. Mlambo, Sikhosana, Mabotja, Rikhotso, Khumalo, Manaka, Dhludlhu, Mphambaniso, Shai, Sithole, Nemtanjela
Subs: Thunts, Mathiane, Chabatsane, Wagaba, Mokobodi, Nhlapo, Mahlatsi, Khumalo, X. Mlambo
