Chiefs crowned Diski Shield champs
Kaizer Chiefs reserve side were crowned the inaugural MultiChoice DiskiShield Shield in front of their senior team after beating Mamelodi Sundowns 3-1 at the Makhulong Stadium on Saturday.
Kaizer Chiefs winners of the 2018 MultiChoice Diski Shield match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs at Makhulong Stadium. (Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix)
The young Amakhosi side got a much needed support from their seniors led by interim coach Patrick Mabedi, and they didn’t disappoint.
Chiefs came back from a one goal down scored early by Vuyo Mantjie, before the Soweto side came strongly with goals by Yusuf Bunting, katlego Ntsabeleng and Moikhomotsi Thibedi.
The game delivered everything as it was expected with some fine showing from the sides.
But it was Sundowns who had a bright start in the game when Chiefs keeper Brylon Peterson failed to hold on to Mantjie’s header in the 12th minute.
Soon after that, the momentum of the game went high with Chiefs looking for an equaliser, while Downs went in search for their second goal of the match.
But it was the Young Amakhosi who got rewarded for their efforts when some impressive footwork by Itumeleng Shopane left his marker Njabulise Mkhize on the floor before he handled the ball inside the box and the referee judged a penalty.
Yusuf Bunting stepped up and put the ball inside the net to get Chiefs back in the game with only three minutes left to half time.
After a couple of minutes into the second stanza, Bunting got a golden opportunity to get his second goal of the game and put Chiefs in the lead, but his shot went wide with only the keeper to beat.
Some brilliant play by Katlego Ntsabeleng saw Athur Zwane’s team take the lead for the first time in the game when he skinned the Downs defence before he calmly placed the ball in the net to make it 2-1 in the 52nd minute.
While looking to get back into the game, Downs coach David Notoane pulled out first team players Keletso Makgalwa and Thendo Mukumela, putting on Casisius Mailula and Thabang Sinanyoni respectively.
Notoane’s charges though suffered another set-back after Chiefs got a second penalty in the game which was slotted in by Moikhomotsi Thibedi in the 72nd minute which ensured Chiefs lift the trophy.
