Kaizer Chiefs got back on the winning trail in the Betway Premiership after defeating Magesi FC 1-0 on Tuesday night.
Betway Premiership
Result: Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 Magesi FC
Date: 04 March 2025
Venue: FNB Stadium
Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi made four changes from the loss to Mamelodi Sundowns, as Given Mismango, Njabulo Blom, Mfundo Vilakazi and Ranga Chivaviro as Ruswhin Dortley, Thabo Cele, Mduduzi Shabalala and Tashreeq Morris dropped out.
The home side enjoyed most of the possession in the early stages but had to wait until the 16th minute for an attempt at goal, as Chivaviro carved out some space just outside the box and unleashed a low strike that forced Elvis Chipezeze into a fine save.
When the two sides met in Limpopo earlier this season, they played to an entertaining 2-2 draw but this time around, Magesi were happy to sit back and soak up the pressure rather than take the game to their Soweto counter-parts.
That proved to be the trend for the remainder of the first half as Chiefs lacked the quality in the final third to carve out any chances in open play, as the likes of Vilakazi and Pule Mmodi were kept quiet on the flanks.
Chiefs had to wait until the 64th minute for an opening as Shabalala did well to work the ball into Chivaviro, who somehow fired over the crossbar with only Chipezeze to beat from 12 yards out.
That proved to be Chivaviro's last involvement as he made way for Ashley du Preez after 67 minutes, before the latter opened the scoring three minutes later by turning home Makabi Lilepo's low cross for his third league goal.
While Magesi were unable to threaten at the other end, Chiefs almost got the second goal on 90 minutes when Mmodi was slipped through on goal, however the winger saw his strike kept out by the upright as the hosts held on for the slender win.
The Soweto giants will now shift their attention to their Nedbank Cup quarter-final against Stellenbosch on Saturday.
Here's how they lined up:
Kaizer Chiefs: 44. Bvuma, 25. Msimango, 84. Miguel, 2. Dove, 39. Frosler, 8. Maart, 6. Blom, 38. Vilakazi, 13. Mmodi, 99. Lilepo, 7. Chivaviro
Subs: 1. Petersen, 4. Kwinika, 48. Cross, 18. Solomons, 12. Ngcobo, 22. Matlou, 42. Shabalala, 11. Potsane, 9. Du Preez.
Magesi: 1. Chipizeze, 25. Abrahams, 8. J.Mokone, 4. Makgoga, 3. Buthelezi, 35. Matima, 16. Kakora, 50. Mashikinya, 40. Motupa, 26. Mtshali, 36. Vandala.
Subs: 24. Tshabalala, 12. Baloyi, 15. Masegela, 49. Komane, 19. Manzini, 20. Malesa, 18. Rademeyer, 88. Makhubela, 28. Mekoa
