Kaizer Chiefs continued their flawless start to the Betway Premiership season with a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Richards Bay at FNB Stadium on Tuesday night.
Substitute Gaston Sirino scored the decisive goal, securing the Soweto giants’ third consecutive league win.
The win puts Kaizer Chiefs in second place on the league table with nine points from three matches, just behind leaders Sekhukhune United on goal difference.
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Richards Bay, meanwhile, remains at the bottom of the log, still searching for their first points of the season.
A Tale of Missed Chances
Despite dominating possession and creating numerous opportunities throughout the game, Chiefs struggled to find the back of the net. The team’s attacking players were lively from the start.
Glody Lilepo had two early chances—one saved by Richards Bay goalkeeper Salim Magoola and another that sailed over the bar. Wandile Duba and Mduduzi Shabalala also failed to convert their opportunities, leaving the match goalless at halftime.
Chiefs’ momentum was briefly interrupted by an injury to Aden McCarthy, who had to be replaced by Zitha Kwinika before the break.
Sirino’s Sublime Strike
At halftime, coach Nasreddine Nabi made a key double substitution, bringing on Gaston Sirino and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo. The changes provided an immediate spark to the attack.
The breakthrough finally came in the 53rd minute. After a neat exchange with Wandile Duba on the edge of the penalty area, Sirino unleashed a powerful strike into the top corner, a moment of pure quality that was worthy of winning any match.
Following the goal, Chiefs managed the game effectively, controlling the tempo and limiting Richards Bay’s chances for a comeback. Though they continued to create opportunities, most notably a late chance for Lilepo, Sirino’s single goal was enough to secure all three points.
With their perfect start intact, Chiefs now turn their attention to a massive clash against reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns next Wednesday at FNB Stadium. Meanwhile, Richards Bay will look to bounce back when they host Chippa United next Tuesday.