Amakhosi redeem themselves

Bernard Parker scored his first League goal for Chiefs, with Siphiwe Tshabalala scoring the second.

Happy Jele hit home to get one back for Bucs in injury time, but it was too little to late, and Chiefs go top of the Premiership log.

Chiefs bossed the first half, though the first real sign of their dominance came in the 24th minute when Parker almost got onto the end of a great through-ball from Lucky Baloyi, but Moeneeb Josephs got off his line quickly.

Three minutes later Parker sent a fantastic shot direct from a free-kick right into the top corner. Josephs got a hand to the ball, but it wasn’t enough to keep it out.

Vladimir Vermezovic’s team continued to dictate proceedings and in injury time at the end of the first half they took advantage of some slack play from Andile Jali.

Jali attempted to dribble out of his own box, but was dispossessed by Josta Dladla, who teed up Tshabalala – the Bafana Bafana midfielder buried the ball in the back of the net to make it 2-0.

Pirates replaced injured striker Ndumiso Mabena with holding midfielder Clifford Ngobeni at the start of the second half, and the presence of an extra man in the middle of the park allowed Julio Leal’s side to boss the remainder of the game.

However, Bucs lacked a cutting edge up front and the service for striker Bongani Ndulula left much to be desired.

In fact, Chiefs perhaps had the best scoring chances of the second half, particularly Lehlohonolo Majoro, who sliced a close range effort in the 62nd minute.

Pirates continued to plug away against the outstanding Chiefs defence were rewarded right at the death when Jele scored with a volley after meeting Dikgang Mabalane’s free-kick at the near post.