Chiefs Reserves start on a high
Chiefs Reserves start on a high

Posted in News, Youth Academy on Dec 07, 2020.

Kaizer Chiefs Reserves started their 2020/21 DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) on high note when they beat Mamelodi Sundowns Reserves by 4-2 goals. Chiefs showed their intentions early in the game throwing everything on attack. It was no surprise when Amakhosi took the lead in the 11th minute of a pulsating end-to-end Asidlali festival of opening matches.

The festival of matches was played on Sunday at Giant Stadium in Soshanguve, north of Pretoria.

Centre-half Thabo Mokoena started a move from the back and finished it off with a beauty in the 11th minute of the match. Tshepo Mohlala followed up after seven minutes of a dominating display with a smart finish to make it 2-0 in the 18th minute.

Chiefs took the foot off the paddle a bit and allowed Sundowns back into the game with a goal scored by Ofentse Mashiane in the 23rd minute.

The pace of the game reduced due to heat conditions and for the first game of the season legs started to give in towards half time. 2-1 to Chiefs at the break.

The second half started with a slow pace with most play concentrated in the middle of the park. The ‘Man of the Match’, Sabelo Radebe masterminded the home run for Chiefs, stringing passes in the midfield and eventually releasing Happy Mashiane on the left wing. Mashiane provided an exquisite grass cutting cross for Kamohelo Hoala to finish with aplomb.

Sundowns refused to give up and were rewarded with their second of the match at the death via Cassius Mailula.

With the referee preparing to blow the final whistle, he spotted an infringement in the Sundowns box. He did not hesitate and awarded a penalty to Chiefs. Sabelo Radebe stepped up and slotted it in with ease.

4-2 it ended in Soshanguve as Chiefs won their first DDC match of the 2020/21 season.

Coach Arthur Zwane thought his side could have scored an avalanche given the many opportunities his lads created. In his post-match interview, he said: “We could have scored more goals if we had taken our opportunities. It is the first match and the preparations were delayed. We did not have friendly matches to test run our approach, but I am happy though to start with a win.”

“If you have followed this league since its inception and seen how we play, we could have already won it several times if we were consistent and played to our strength. At the end of the day, our aim remains nurturing talent for the first team and for the greater good of football in our country. We had about four of the first team players playing against Sundowns and that serves us well to keep them match fit. We will continue to work hard and surely we will do well this season.”

Chiefs Line-up: Lungile Nkosi (GK), Jordan Sampson, Thabo Mokoena, Khumbula Ncube, Sabelo Radebe ©, Kamohelo Hoala, Happy Mashiane, Darrel Matsheke, Lebohang Lesako, Tshepo Mohlala, Mthokozisi Balakazi

Subs: Sergio Sardinah (GK), Sihle Mbele, Siphesihle Tati, Samkelo Zwane, Jordan Marks

Sundowns Line-up: Glen Baadjies (GK), Siphesihle Mkhize, Ofentse Mashiane, Sthabiso Ndaba, Cassius Mailula ©, Karabelo Ramokepa, Thando Buthelezi, Paul Mhlanga, Riandre Vries, Keegan Allan, Jan Baloyi

Subs: Sifundo Jaca (GK), Sanele Khumalo, Thapelo Mokomele, Tlotlego Pitso, Oageng Phiri

 

 

 

 

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