Kaizer Chiefs returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Stellenbosch in the Betway Premiership on Friday evening at Athlone Stadium.
The match took place under a warm Cape Town sky, with both teams hungry to improve their standings in the league. Chiefs, playing their 17th match, knew that a win would propel them to fourth place in the table, while Stellenbosch, in their 14th fixture, hoped that a victory would lift them into fifth position, ahead of the Amakhosi.
The atmosphere at the packed Athlone Stadium was dominated by the loud and passionate Kaizer Chiefs supporters, who were given something to celebrate early in the match. New signing Glody Lilepo, making his mark in only his second appearance for the club, took just four minutes to announce his presence.
Rising above the defense, Lilepo met a perfectly delivered cross with a well-timed header, sending the ball into the back of the net to give Chiefs an early lead. His debut goal was a promising sign of the talent he brings to the squad, and the fans erupted in celebration.
Stellenbosch’s Chumani Butsaka had a long-range effort in the 12th minute, but Bruce Bvuma comfortably saved. At the other end, Lilepo missed a chance in the 14th minute, sending his shot wide.
The opening 30 minutes belonged to the Amakhosi, who created the better chances, with Lilepo and Tashreeq Morris particularly troublesome for the Stellies defense.
Thabo Cele nearly doubled the lead in the 41st minute with a set-piece effort, but Sage Stephens was equal to the task, making a solid save.
At halftime, Lilepo’s early goal was the difference between the sides. The second half saw more intensity, but neither team managed to generate clear-cut opportunities.
Five minutes into the second half, Lilepo’s free-kick shot was easily gathered by Stephens. A few minutes later, Lilepo had another attempt from open play, but Stephens was again quick to deny him.
The first real chance of the second half came in the 70th minute when Pule Mmodi tested Stephens with a long-range shot, but the keeper pushed the ball around the post to keep the scoreline unchanged.
Stellenbosch had a late opportunity to level the match in the dying minutes when debutant Faiz Abrahams fired a shot wide of the target, missing a golden chance to equalize.
The victory marked a crucial three points for the Soweto Giants, who will look to build on this momentum as the season progresses. For Lilepo, his bright start at Chiefs signals a potentially exciting future at the club.
With the 1-0 win, Chiefs moved into fourth place with 25 points from 17 matches, while Stellenbosch slipped to eighth with 20 points from 14 games.
The Sowetans will be involved in Nedbank Cup action next, with their R016 fixture against Chippa United set for next weekend, 15 February. Kick off at the FNB Stadium is set for 18:00.