Staff Reporter.
Kaizer Chiefs defeated TS Galaxy 1-0 at Mbombela Stadium to secure an eighth-place finish in the DStv Premiership.
Chiefs leapfrogged the Rockets on goal difference thanks to the result, ensuring that they will play in the MTN8 next season at the expense of their vanquished opponents, who came home in a very respectable ninth place in their rookie top-flight campaign.
The Soweto Giants took their time to settle, but gradually began to assert themselves and claimed the lead on 26 minutes. A long throw-in from Reeve Frosler was flicked on before Samir Nurkovic glanced home from close range to put the visitors 1-0 up.
Galaxy’s only real chance in the remainder of the first half arrived in the 40th minute when Mxolisi Machupu got on the end of Luckyboy Mokoena’s cross and powered a header on target, but goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma was well positioned to make a comfortable save and ensure the Soweto side held the advantage at the interval.
The Rockets beefed up their midfield with the introduction of Mlungisi Mbunjana at the start of the second stanza, and the hosts had renewed energy in the early minutes, forcing Chiefs onto the back foot.
Yet they were unable to capitalise on the momentum and were even lucky not to concede a penalty just after the hour mark, with Luckyboy Mokoena clumsily bringing down Lebogang Manyama near the by-line but not being punished by the referee.
Chiefs should have claimed a second goal and made the game safe in the 81st minute when Nurkovic unselfishly squared for Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, but the ball was just behind the youngster, who had an open goal in front of him.
On 88 minutes Galaxy’s Sihle Ndluli was given time and space to line up a shot – his effort was well struck and on target, but Bvuma did well to get across and turn the ball away for a corner kick. That proved to be the last scare for Chiefs, who were able to hold out in the remaining time and secure a key victory.
Meanwhile DSTV premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns finished the season with a 3-0 win over Cape Town City at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday afternoon.
Elsewhere Chippa United and SuperSport United played to a 1-1 draw in their DStv Premiership match at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday, with the result confirming that the Eastern Cape side will play in the Promotion/Relegation Playoffs.
Other PSL Results:
Black Leopards 1 -1 Bloemfotein Celtic.
Golden Arrows 0 – 0 Stellenbosch FC.
Orlando Pirates 0 – 0 TTM.
Swallows FC 1 -1 Baroka FC.
Maritzburg United 0 – 0 Amazulu.