Kaizer Chiefs’ strong start to the season in the Betway Premiership continued following a 1-0 victory over Golden Arrows on Saturday evening.
Chiefs welcomed Siphesihle Ndlovu and Ashley Du Preez back into the starting line-up following the goalless draw against Mamelodi Sundowns in midweek.
Du Preez nearly marked his return in style ten minutes in when he pierced through the centre of the defence to go level with goalkeeper Xolani Ngcobo, but he shot tamely.
The ambitious visitors did have the ball in the net ten minutes later after Mduduzi Shabalala tucked in from an acute angle, but he was deemed to be in an offside position.
Chiefs probed again moments apart when a cross-cum shot from Glodly Lilepo forced Brandon Theron to scramble to the goal-line and cleared.
Abafana Besthende came good before halftime as Sabelo Sithole bear down from a delivery over the top and fired in a shot, but Brandon Petersen repelled.
Phillips, who made a last-ditch clearance in the first period, didn’t come out for the resumption and was replaced by Nhlanhla Zwane.
Chiefs were on the edge earlier on in the second period and had a half-volley from the area by Sede Dion hit the foot of the post.
The pressure led to changes with Flavio Da Silva, Gaston Sirino and Mfundo Vilakazi introduced as Du Preez, Shabalala and Pule Mmodi made way.
The changes paid dividends as Sirino came in on the right of the area in the closing minutes and played a cutback for Da Silva to tap in his maiden goal for the club.
The Amakhosi looked for more goals through Lilepo and Sirino, but settled for a 1-0 victory to remain unbeaten and second on the table.
Confirmed line-ups:
Golden Arrows: Ngcobo, Jiyane, Phillips , Shitolo , Mabaso, Dlamini, Komara, Dion , Sithole , Maxwele, Ndlovu,
Subs: Maova, Mantshiyane , S.Cele, Radebe, Booysen, P.Khumalo, Sibiya, Zwane, L.Dube
Kaizer Chiefs: Petersen, Mako, Kwinika, Miguel, Monyane, Ndlovu, Mthethwa, Shabalala, Mmodi, Lilepo, du Preez
Subs: Ntwari, Cross, Frosler, da Silva, Matlou, Ngcobo, Vilakazi, Sirino, Hlongwane