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Abia is king OF NATURENA

KILLER INSTINCT: Kaizer Chiefs strike, Kaizer Motaung Jnr. 25/01/2009. Pic. Veli Nhlapo. © Sowetan.
KILLER INSTINCT: Kaizer Chiefs strike, Kaizer Motaung Jnr. 25/01/2009. Pic. Veli Nhlapo. © Sowetan.

Bongani Magasela

Kaizer Motaung Jnr's predatory instinct that earned his Kaizer Chiefs all three points against Maritzburg United at Olympiapark Stadium has endeared him to the fans.

Motaung's goal in the 61st minute came just when the patience of the fans was starting to wane. Some had already protested vociferously to coach Muhsin Ertugral to pull him out of the action.

But all Motaung needed were through passes for his shooting prowess to come to the fore. And in the 61st minute, the industrious new recruit Abia Nale, who has in his own right entrenched himself as a Messiah to Chiefs' followers since his arrival less than a monthl ago, found him with a delightful pass.

Motaung obliged by tapping the beauty into an inviting net, leaving United coach Gordon Igesund's soul hurting.

Nale, whose first name in Hebrew means "my father is Lord", would later, and deservedly, be announced Man of Match for the third time in as many matches.

The loss could send Igesund to the front of the jobless queue following his club's 10th defeat in 17 games.

But to be fair, his charges had Chiefs against the wall for the better part of this not-so-top-drawer Absa Premiership game played under a scotching sun that players had to be given a 30 second water-break.

The lively and speedy Motaung was unlucky not to score his second goal a few minutes after breaking the ice.

His blistering shot from close shaved the crossbar after a fine fingertip save by keeper Tashrique Goldman. Nale also came close to netting but his shot was blocked for a corner.

United had their chances but they played into the hands of Chiefs keeper Itumeleng Khune who excels in the air.

Sipho Mgomezulu, Thulani Tsabezde and Aka Brice Anton were a menace in possession. Chiefs defender Thabang Rooi had to pull Anton down inside Chiefs penalty area in the 80th minute when the lanky forward was just about to whip the ball.

Though it seemed a legitimate penalty, referee Matthew Dyer, waved play on.

The win top Chiefs to within four points of leaders Supersport United.

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