Kaizer Chiefs maintained their unbeaten start to the PSL season with a 3-2 victory over Siwelele FC at Dobsonville Stadium on Sunday, although they were made to work hard for the points after surrendering some of their two-goal advantage.
The match was moved from Royal Bafokeng Stadium after the original venue became unavailable, with Chiefs forced to find an alternative home for the fixture at short notice.
The change of surroundings did little to unsettle the Soweto club, who dominated possession during the opening exchanges and looked determined to respond after being held by Richards Bay in their previous league outing.
Their pressure finally told in the 29th minute when Mfundo Vilakazi opened his league account for the campaign. The forward capitalised on goalkeeper Xulu’s decision to rush from his line, producing an accomplished finish from a tight angle.
Chiefs continued to control the contest after the break and thought they had doubled their lead earlier when Duba converted from close range, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.
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There was no denying Duba in the 65th minute, however. Mduduzi Shabalala delivered an inviting cross into the area and the forward, left unmarked, applied a clever flick to make it 2-0 and register his third league goal of the season.
Siwelele responded almost immediately. Three minutes later, Orlando Pirates loanee Aphiwe Baliti reduced the deficit with his first top-flight goal, giving the hosts renewed hope.
Chiefs restored their two-goal cushion in the 76th minute in unusual circumstances. Faiz Abrahams’s free-kick struck the post before rebounding off Xulu and into the net for an own goal.
Siwelele refused to fold and Michel NGuessan gave them another lifeline in stoppage time, firing Tebogo Potsane’s cutback against the underside of the crossbar and in.
It proved too late, though, as Chiefs held on to secure another victory and underline their early credentials, while Siwelele were left to reflect on a spirited but ultimately costly defensive display.