Goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma celebrates Kaizer Chiefs progression to the semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup after beating Stellenbosch on Saturday.
Image: Backpagepix
Kaizer Chiefs’ decade-long trophy drought could finally come to an end this season, if they go all the way in the country’s premier football competition, the Nedbank Cup.
Their 3-1 Nedbank Cup quarter-final win over Stellenbosch was certainly controversial, as many feel the second goal shouldn’t have stood, but such is the nature of cup competitions — teams create their own luck. That’s why Mihlali Baleka looks at three key factors that helped Chiefs defeat Stellies.
It takes goals to win cup competitions, and luckily for Chiefs, they brought their scoring boots against Stellies in Gqeberha.
Chiefs opened the scoring in the first half through Inacio Miguel before Pule Mmodi and Mfundo Vilakazi sealed the victory in stoppage time of the second half. They have been in prolific form in the Ke Yona Cup, scoring 10 goals across three games, including four against Free Agents and three against Chippa United at home.
Coach Nasreddine Nabi is not getting carried away by their smooth ride in the competition, as he believes the semi-final will present another tough battle. However, the Tunisia-born coach will no doubt bank on his troops to carry their momentum into the league, where they desperately need points to finish in the top three.
Chiefs must work as a unit to secure a Top 3 finish, qualify for continental football next season and re-establish their reputation as a powerhouse in Africa.
So far, so good. The January signings are settling in well, with Thabo Cele already showing signs of leadership and a big-match temperament. Cele was in beast mode when they faced Mamelodi Sundowns in the league. But after missing the 1-0 win over Chippa United on Tuesday, he returned with a top-class performance on Saturday.
The 28-year-old dominated his midfield battle against Sihle Nduli, so much so that he walked away with the Player of the Match award.
Sure, Cele was the standout performer against Stellies, but Mfundo Vilakazi showed immense growth in the dying stages of the game.
The 19-year-old displayed nerves of steel, winning possession in stoppage time and calmly slotting the ball into an empty net after Sage Stephens had moved up for a corner kick. Vilakazi’s goal didn’t just seal the win — it also proved that he can make a significant contribution whenever he’s called upon.
If he continues delivering such performances, he could very well catch the eye of Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, who has shown a keen interest in working with young talent.