Chiefs hoodoo strikes again as 10-man Stellies suffer defeat

KAIZER Chiefs once again showcased their standing as Stellenbosch FC’s hoodoo team with a hard-fought 2-0 victory in their Betway Premiership match at Athlone Stadium on Sunday.

- HERMAN GIBBS

This triumph marks a significant milestone for Chiefs, who have been nothing short of formidable against the Winelands team, securing five consecutive league wins against them. The result also meant that Chiefs ended their nine-match winless streak in the league at the end of last season.

The capacity crowd was treated to a rousing start with end-to-end action. However, the mood shifted dramatically early in the first half when referee Eugene Mdluli red-carded Stellenbosch debutant Siviwe Nkwali.

The young defender made a reckless challenge on Mduduzi Shabalala, who had skilfully navigated through a gap in the Stellenbosch defence and was heading goalwards.

Nkosingiphile Ngcobo stepped up for the free-kick on the fringe of the Stellenbosch penalty area.

He struck a left-footed shot over the defensive wall before it curled fractionally past Stellenbosch goalkeeper Sage Stephens for Chiefs’ first goal of the season.