Amakhosi Latest News: Flavio Silva Fires Kaizer Chiefs to Crucial Win Over Durban City

Kaizer Chiefs surged into third place in the Betway Premiership standings following a hard-fought 1-0 triumph over Durban City at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium.

In a match defined by grit and tactical discipline, Gavin Hunt’s Durban City locked horns with the co-managed Kaizer Chiefs duo, Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze.

Read: Miguel Cardoso gives update on Themba Zwane recovery

Both teams carved out opportunities in a cagey contest, but it was Flavio Silva’s late strike that ultimately broke the deadlock and proved decisive.

Chiefs started brightly, with Makabi Lilepo and Mfundo Vilakazi both testing Darren Keet early on, while City’s Mfanafuthi Mkhize fired narrowly over following a set piece.

The first half ended goalless despite half-chances at both ends, including a fine save by Keet from Vilakazi’s long-range effort just before the break.

The second half continued in similar fashion, with City pushing forward through Bokang Mokwena and Fezile Gcaba, while Chiefs gradually took control after a string of substitutions.

The introduction of Gaston Sirino added creativity, and the Uruguayan made an instant impact when his pinpoint cross found Silva in the 88th minute. The Portuguese striker rose highest to glance his header into the top corner, sending the travelling fans into raptures.

Durban City threw everything forward in the closing moments, with Letsie Koapeng forcing a fine save and Kyle Jurgens missing a late chance to equalise.

But Chiefs’ defence, marshalled by Inacio Miguel and Bradley Cross, held firm to secure a hard-fought clean sheet.

The victory lifts Chiefs to third in the standings on 19 points from 10 matches. Durban City, meanwhile, drop to fifth with 15 points from 11 games.

It was a reminder that Chiefs, despite their recent inconsistency, remain one of the Premiership’s most dangerous sides when it matters most.

SOUTH AFRICA V MOZAMBIQUE | WEDNESDAY 26 JUNE | NMB Stadium | 18:00

This Wednesday, June 26th, 2024, South Africa and Mozambique will clash in the COSAFA Cup. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect from the two nations who will contest the tie at NMB Stadium in Gqeberha.

To win (90 min)
South Africa 4/10  
Draw 3/1
Mozambique 7/1

SOUTH AFRICA  

Bafana Bafana comes into this year’s COSAFA Cup with a strong selection of youngsters. Stand-in coach Helman Mkhalele has named a youthful squad brimming with exciting talent for the 2024 COSAFA Cup, which kicks off in Gqeberha on Wednesday. The selection features several up-and-coming stars from the DStv Premiership.

The squad boasts a strong Western Cape influence. Cape Town City defender Keanu Cupido is joined by promising midfielder Jaedin Rhodes. Stellenbosch FC contributes a quartet of players: Thabo Moloisane, Athenkosi Mcaba, Antonio van Wyk, and Devin Titus. Cape Town Spurs also sends a duo of young forwards, Asanele Velebayi and Ashley Cupido.

I think the 2021 COSAFA Cup winners will adopt an attacking approach due to their home advantage and strong squad. During that trophy-bearing campaign, Victor Letsoalo leaped to the top of South Africa’s scoring charts with a hat-trick on debut against Lesotho and then grabbed a further goal in the semifinals against Mozambique. This time around, Mamelodi Sundowns’ Thabang Sibanyoni will be looking to emulate this countryman’s antics against Mozambique. 

MOZAMBIQUE

Under the leadership of coach Victor Matine, the Mozambican national team has been in camp for roughly two weeks. The players have assured fans of their determination to fight for a strong showing at the upcoming COSAFA Cup.

Coach Matine acknowledges the limitations of this non-FIFA-sanctioned event. Clubs are not obligated to release players, so the team must work with the available talent.  However, Matine expresses confidence in his squad, citing their past achievements.

Last week Saturday, Matine’s men played out a stalemate at a private match against Ferroviário de Maputo held at AFRIN’s field in Matola. The game would have undoubtedly provided valuable lessons for the coach, allowing him to assess individual and team performance, and plan their strategy for the crucial clash against South Africa.

PREDICTION: Draw
I expect this one to be a competitive match. South Africa has the upper hand on paper, but Mozambique can cause an upset and I think this one ends in a draw.

Written by Desh Parthab