Chiefs crush AmaZulu

Both sides started the game slowly and showed signs of rustiness as they lost possession easily in the middle of the park.

From the 26th minute onwards Stuart Baxter’s men seemed to go up a gear as they started to dominate the midfield and Siphiwe Tshabalala went on a great run and received the ball back from Nkhatha, but his shot was parried away by Kapini.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 38th minute as Josta Dladla cut in from the right before finding Parker just outside the box and he showed composure as he stepped away from Tsweu Mokoro before placing his low shot past Kapini.

The lead was extended just three minutes later as Erick Mathoho connected with a corner from Siphiwe Tshabalala but saw his header tipped onto the crossbar; however, Nkhatha was the quickest man to react as he volleyed the ball into the back of the net, 2-0.

Parker then had a great chance on the stroke of half-time as he received a low cross from Josta Dladla, but the former FC Twente player sent his effort over the crossbar.

Then in the 57th minute Chiefs stretched their lead as Parker received a pass from Reneilwe Letsholonyane on the right before firing past Kapini at the near post.

Parker grabbed his hat-trick in the 65th minute as he received another pass from Letsholonyane on the right and cut inside before curling the ball into the net at the far post using his left foot.

Seven minutes later Parker scored his fourth goal of the match as he received a pass from Nkosi inside the box and showed his international experience as he beat Kapini with a neat chip.

Despite their strongest efforts AmaZulu were unable to get past the Chiefs defence which showed great improvement from the side which lost 4-1 against Sundowns in a Cup game last weekend.

The demolition was completed in the 90th minute as Parker turned from scorer to provider as he cut the ball across for Nkosi to beat Kapini with a well-taken right-footed shot.