The Kaizer Chiefs staged a comeback to claim a 3-1 victory over Orbit College in the Betway Premiership, with the match relocated to Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Monday.
This marks the AmaKhosi’s third consecutive league win, putting them firmly in contention for CAF Interclub football in the upcoming season.
Orbit College’s Opportunities
Before the opening goal, the warning signs were evident for the Chiefs as young striker Thabang Mahlangu squandered two significant chances.
Mahlangu had a chance to score when he turned and struck the base of the post, then missed another opportunity by heading over from a corner while unmarked.
The 20-year-old forward was instrumental in securing the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations title for South Africa last year and is seen as a promising talent, currently on loan to Orbit College from Siwelele since January.
Despite making his debut in the Betway Premiership back in 2024, he is still chasing his first senior goal after 15 appearances; to be fair, Monday marked his first starting opportunity.
A Goal for the Hosts
Orbit College took the lead in the 22nd minute with a header from Mbulelo Wagaba, though Chiefs goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma had a role to play in the goal.
A free-kick from Lebogang Lesako was sent to the back post, allowing Wagaba to head the ball toward goal.
It went directly at Bvuma, who struggled to keep it out despite his claims that he lacked time to respond; he may well believe he should have done better.
Chiefs Level the Scores
Just before halftime, the visitors equalised with a well-executed goal from Wandile Duba.
Chiefs left-back Bradley Cross delivered a long pass to Duba, who took a touch to lift the ball before executing a remarkable twisting shot to find the net.
Orbit College’s goalkeeper, Cyril Chibwe, managed a touch on the shot but ultimately failed to prevent the goal.
This marked Duba’s second goal in consecutive matches, having also scored against Magesi FC in their previous fixture. The 21-year-old now boasts nine goals from 56 senior appearances (33 starts), and this standout finish highlighted his potential.
Shabalala Scores
Following this, the Chiefs continued to appear the more threatening side and surged ahead with a goal from Mdu Shabalala, who was assisted by Duba.
Thabiso Monyane made a strong run into the box on the right and sent in a low cross, which Duba cleverly dummied to grant Shabalala the opportunity to slot the ball home with a side-foot finish.
Shabalala has a knack for scoring against Orbit College; this marked his first goal since a brace against the same team in November.
Sealing the Win
The Chiefs added a third goal in the 79th minute from an unexpected source – Siphesihle Ndlovu. His shot from the edge of the box took a deflection off a defender, wrong-footing Chibwe.
This was Ndlovu’s first goal since scoring the winner against Polokwane City in August and just his seventh in league play over the last eight seasons.
Having come off the bench, as he has frequently this season, Ndlovu made a significant impact when it was most needed.
Current League Standings
The Chiefs have risen to third in the league, amassing 39 points from 21 matches, although they could be surpassed later on Monday by AmaZulu, who face Sekhukhune United.
With their sights set on securing third place for CAF Confederation Cup qualification next season, this third successive league win certainly enhances their prospects.
Meanwhile, Orbit College remains in the relegation play-off zone, and with bottom club Magesi FC set to clash with third-bottom Marumo Gallants on Tuesday, they have a challenging task ahead in determining who they would prefer to win.
Compiled by SportArena.au
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