Kaizer Chiefs continued to dig a hole for themselves as they suffered a 2-1 loss against Marumo Gallants in their Premiership clash at the FNB Stadium on Saturday. The result has put a further dent in the Phefeni Glamour Boys’ already shaky league season, as they now fall out of the top eight, with Gallants resurfacing as another contender for the MTN8 next season.
The loss was another chapter in a season where they had their fair share of troubles, and heading into this crucial encounter, they were missing the key services of Gaston Sirino and Pule Mmodi, who missed out due to suspension. However, they enjoyed a few exchanges from the first whistle and in a flash of brilliance, Glody Lilepo cut inside from the left and unleashed a venomous strike that tore past Washington Arubi, making the net ripple in the 10th minute – and with it, all memories of those missing were forgotten.
An early lead might have been part of the script, but they would have also known all too well that defensive frailties have haunted them throughout the season. The absence of Inacio Miguel and Bafana Bafana international Rushwin Dortley still left a gaping hole at the heart of their defence. They managed to close the gap in their last encounter against Chippa United in a goalless draw, but merely bridging the divide didn’t suffice yesterday, as what they required most is a lot more action at the other end. Chiefs have only managed to find the back of the net twice in their winless streak stretching over five matches.
They came up against a Gallants side in good form, having picked up seven points from their last three matches. Rocked by an early blow, Gallants were momentarily on their knees, weathering a fierce Chiefs onslaught. But they found their footing quickly, striking back with intent and winning the territorial battle for much of the first half. Thapelo Mokobodi came closest to getting the visitors on the board with his 40th-minute free kick parried over the bar for a corner by Bruce Bvuma.
Amakhosi looked set for a rare lead heading into the break, but from the resulting corner, their hopes unraveled as Gallants, with a well-orchestrated move, struck the equaliser just four minutes before halftime. Daniel Msendami’s powerful left-footed strike proved too hot for Bvuma to handle, and his desperate save only pushed the ball into the path of Matome Mathiane, who, with the goal at his mercy, made no mistake in hauling his side back into the contest on the stroke of halftime.
Chiefs showed a lot more urgency in the second half and were unlucky not to retake the lead, with Mduduzi Shabalala playing Wandile Duba through on goal. Duba cleverly moved the ball past Arubi, but only the upright stopped him in his tracks as he was about to set off on a celebration. Msendami returned to hammer the final nail into Amakhosi’s coffin, as his well-struck free kick evaded everyone and bounced past the helpless diving Bvuma, sealing the winning goal and lifting his side clear of the relegation zone, with Chiefs heading to the much-anticipated derby with more problems than solutions.
This result has left Kaizer Chiefs in a precarious position. They have now extended their winless run in the league to six matches and remain in eighth place, but with teams like Chippa United, Gallants, Golden Arrows, and Magesi FC breathing down their necks, their chances for a top-eight finish are dwindling. As for Marumo Gallants, this victory marks an important step, extending their unbeaten run to five matches and moving them up to 11th place, opening a six-point buffer to the relegation playoff zone.
Looking ahead, Kaizer Chiefs will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next match against arch-rivals Orlando Pirates in the Soweto derby. With the stakes high and the pressure mounting, this clash could be pivotal for their season. Meanwhile, Gallants will host Chippa United on May 17, looking to build on their recent success.
In summary, the match showcased the contrasting fortunes of the two teams. While Chiefs struggled to find their footing, Gallants capitalized on their opportunities, demonstrating resilience and determination to secure a vital win. As the season progresses, both teams will be keen to improve their standings and achieve their respective goals.
