Kaizer Chiefs booked their place in the quarterfinals of the Telkom Knockout Cup yesterday after a hard-fought 3-0 win against Platinum Stars.
Steve Komphela would have, after the match, been a relieved man following his failure to win their last few matches.
In an energy-sapping Moruleng heat it was always going to be difficult for the two sets of players to perform at their optimum, but credit to Amakhosi for trying under these conditions. The heat forced two water breaks in either half.
Dikwena had the most of the ball in the earlier stages of the match although it was nothing to worry Chiefs goalkeeper Reyaad Pieterse.
For all the trickery in Masibusane Zongo's arsenal, it failed to break the Chiefs defence. And with most of Stars' attempts either being thwarted by Chiefs' defence or Pieterse denying them, Amakhosi slowly began to gain confidence.
Since his arrival at Chiefs, Komphela insisted that while winning was important, it was equally vital to do so while playing attractive football.
While yesterday's showing was far from it - the visitors were often left bamboozled by Zongo's artistry - the former Bafana Bafana captain would have taken heart in the fact that his charges showed character.
They weathered Stars' earlier onslaught and, right on the stroke of half-time, Chiefs were awarded a free kick not far from Stars' danger area.
Captain Siphiwe Tshabalala stood up and played a beautiful ball into the box. Mulomowandau Mathoho, tall as he is, rose the highest to head in and put the visitors in the lead going into the break.
In the early stages of the second half, Chiefs ought to have increased their tally. First, Bernard Parker attempted a volley inside the box but missed the target.
Almost immediately afterwards Camaldine Abraw's ferocious strike was saved by Stars goalie Mbongeni Mzimela.
Chiefs substitutes Siphelele Mthembu and George Maluleka scored late in the second half to hand Chiefs the victory.
l Mpumalanga Black Aces beat Bloemfontein Celtic 3-2 on penalties in another Telkom Knockout clash yesterday.
Chiefs overcome heat to beat Stars
Kaizer Chiefs booked their place in the quarterfinals of the Telkom Knockout Cup yesterday after a hard-fought 3-0 win against Platinum Stars.
Steve Komphela would have, after the match, been a relieved man following his failure to win their last few matches.
In an energy-sapping Moruleng heat it was always going to be difficult for the two sets of players to perform at their optimum, but credit to Amakhosi for trying under these conditions. The heat forced two water breaks in either half.
Dikwena had the most of the ball in the earlier stages of the match although it was nothing to worry Chiefs goalkeeper Reyaad Pieterse.
For all the trickery in Masibusane Zongo's arsenal, it failed to break the Chiefs defence. And with most of Stars' attempts either being thwarted by Chiefs' defence or Pieterse denying them, Amakhosi slowly began to gain confidence.
Since his arrival at Chiefs, Komphela insisted that while winning was important, it was equally vital to do so while playing attractive football.
While yesterday's showing was far from it - the visitors were often left bamboozled by Zongo's artistry - the former Bafana Bafana captain would have taken heart in the fact that his charges showed character.
They weathered Stars' earlier onslaught and, right on the stroke of half-time, Chiefs were awarded a free kick not far from Stars' danger area.
Captain Siphiwe Tshabalala stood up and played a beautiful ball into the box. Mulomowandau Mathoho, tall as he is, rose the highest to head in and put the visitors in the lead going into the break.
In the early stages of the second half, Chiefs ought to have increased their tally. First, Bernard Parker attempted a volley inside the box but missed the target.
Almost immediately afterwards Camaldine Abraw's ferocious strike was saved by Stars goalie Mbongeni Mzimela.
Chiefs substitutes Siphelele Mthembu and George Maluleka scored late in the second half to hand Chiefs the victory.
l Mpumalanga Black Aces beat Bloemfontein Celtic 3-2 on penalties in another Telkom Knockout clash yesterday.
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