By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Kaizer Chiefs registered their first win in pre-season after defeating Dutch Eredivisie side PEC Zwolle 1-0 on Tuesday evening.
Chiefs displayed a lot of confidence on the ball and managed to pick their passes, runs in the forward areas but battled to turn the defence.
The home side nearly took the lead just before halftime, but their striker missed the target from close range.Despite the lack of goals, the first half was so far their most impressive display in the Netherlands.
Chiefs continued their strong display in the second half and finally broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute through Naledi Hlongwane’s rebound. Mduduzi Shabalala’s shot struck the post, and Hlongwane, who had replaced Flavio Da Silva in the first half, reacted quickly to score.
Despite the numerous changes, Chiefs remained relatively untroubled until the 82nd minute, when Brandon Petersen made two crucial saves to keep their advantage while Mfundo Vilakazi drew a good save from the Zwolle goalkeeper in the dying minutes of the contest.
Meanwhile Chiefs founder and Chairman, Kaizer Motaung has received an honorary doctorate in commerce, from the University of the Witwatersrand on Tuesday.
The honorary doctorate was conferred on Motaung in recognition of his outstanding contribution to South Africa and its football landscape.
At a ceremony attended by his family, Wits University Vice-Chancellor Professor Zeblon Vilakazi praised Motaung as a visionary pioneer who has built one of the most iconic and influential brands in the country.
“Kaizer Motaung was an excellent footballer,is a successful businessperson and soccer administrator, a philanthropist and a proud political activist,” he said
Having previously been honoured by the University of Cape Town in 2022, with a Doctorate in Social Science, “Chincha Guluva” received his honour alongside Mavuso Walter Msimang (Doctor of Commerce).