By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@KaizerChiefs.
Kaizer Chiefs claimed their first-ever Toyota Cup title after defeating Zimbabwean champions Scottland FC 1-0 at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rusternburg.
Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz gave a start to new signing Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko, who was only unveiled this week while Thabo Moloisane and Renaldo Leaner started on the bench.
The Soweto giants broke the deadlock in the 16th minute when Mfundo Vilakazi pounced on a loose ball in the box before calmly slotting into the far corner.
The match provided a stern test for Chiefs against an accomplished side in the Zimbabwean champions.
Chiefs showed early signs of the work they had been doing on their recently completed pre-season camp in Spain, with some neat passing interchanges and a recognisable shape both in and out of possession.
Thabo Monyane’s pace on the right flank was a continuous thorn in Scottland’s left side and it was from a free kick won by the flying full back that brought Amakhosi’s first attempt at goal, a blocked Lebogang Maboe effort set up by Vilakazi.
Following Vilakazi’s goal, Asanele Velebayi went close following some intricate combination play with Ethan Chislett and Vilakazi was thwarted by the goalkeeper when Maboe found him inside the box after winning the ball impressively and running at the Scottland defence.
Both coaches made wholesale substitutions after the halftime break, although Da Cruz was more circumspect than his Scottland counterpart, Norman Mamesa who replaced his entire line-up, bringing on veteran former Chiefs stars Khama Billiat and Knowledge Musona who showed occasional touches that reminded the fans of what once made them beloved heroes.
Chiefs now playing in their equally beguiling new black away strip, Etiosa Ighodaro and Wandile Duba looked lively in attack, while Da Cruz will be pleased at the defensive organisation and commitment of his players, as Scottland pinned Chiefs back for much of the second period in search of the equaliser that never came, ultimately the Soweto giants settling for a 1-0 victory.