×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Amakhosi unstoppable

EYE ON THE BALL: Siboniso Gaxa of Kaizer Chiefs and Keegan Dolly of Ajax Cape Town during the match yesterdayPhoto: Gallo Images
EYE ON THE BALL: Siboniso Gaxa of Kaizer Chiefs and Keegan Dolly of Ajax Cape Town during the match yesterdayPhoto: Gallo Images

TEFU Mashamaite's header just after half time saw Kaizer Chiefs secure a 1-0 victory over Ajax Cape Town yesterday to open up a 10-point lead at the top of the Premier Soccer League standings and set a new record.

Amakhosi have won a record 15 games in a row - two at the end of last season, eight in the league and five in cup competition this season - which is a record for the PSL that was previous held by Mamelodi Sundowns.

"We are delighted with the result and the way we showed character," said the delighted Chiefs' coach Stuart Baxter.

It was a single set piece that decided the three points as Mashamaite headed home a curling left-footed 49th-minute free-kick from Siphiwe Tshabalala, who was named as the man of the match.

Chiefs might have had one or two more goals as they dominated the second half although it was a game with few clear-cut chances for the 40000-strong crowd to savour.

Ajax coach Roger de Sa had spoken in the build-up about trying to stop Chiefs' "runaway train", but his side faded noticeably in the second half after a lively opening 45 minutes. "Perhaps we were a little too naive," he admitted after the match.

Ajax midfielder Bantu Mzwakali, only recently back from injury was the undoubted star of the first half, forcing a fine save from Brilliant Khuzwayo with his 16th-minute free-kick and later stealing possession from Willard Katsande to set up Thabiso Nkoana for a chance that was smothered by good defending from Morgan Gould.

But the play was mostly erratic in the hot conditions with neither side able to find a rhythm and put together decent passing movements.

The visitors were forced to start without a recognised striker as both Kingston Nkhatha and Bernard Parker were unavailable for selection. Nkhatha had developed a high fever during the week and Parker picked up a knock that he could not get over in time.

l Goals by Alfred Ndengane, Vuyani Ntanga, Dumisani Zuma and Kenoshi Motshegwa (brace) saw Bloemfontein Celtic cruise to a 5-1 win over hapless Polokwane City at Kaizer Sebothelo Stadium in another league match yesterday.

Sipho Genbuna scored the consolation goal for City.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.