Kaizer Chiefs lead ten-man Stellenbosch FC 1-0 at halftime of their Betway Premiership clash at Athlone Stadium.
Chiefs gave debuts to Thabiso Monyane and development graduate Naledi Hlongwane, while Stellies also featured a new signing in Siviwe Nkwali.
Nkwali’s debut turned sour after 13 minutes after received a straight red card for bringing down Mduduzi Shabalala on the edge of the box.
The situation worked in favour of the Amakhosi when Nkosingiphile Ngcobo stepped up for the resultant free-kick and powered despite the best efforts from goalkeeper Sage Stephens.
Stellenbosch nearly had an instant response after a goal-bound header by Andre De Jong drew a goal-line clearance from Wandile Duba, before Devon Titus raced down the right and cut-in the six-yard area to curl off the upright.
While Chiefs struggled to carve out chances with 11 players on the field, Titus went close again on the stroke of halftime and forced a smart save out of Brandon Petersen with a first-time volley.
Confirmed line-ups:
Stellenbosch FC: Stephens, Moloisane, Enyinnaya, Nkwali, Mdaka, Butsaka, Palace, Barns, Cupido, De Jong, Titus
Subs: Langeveldt, Mcaba, Khanyi, Nku, Lekoloane, Jabaar, Phili, Mojela, Khiba
Kaizer Chiefs: Petersen, Cross, McCarthy, Miguel, Monyane, Cele, Ngcobo, Shabalala, Duba, Lilepo, Hlongwane
Subs: Ntwari, Kwinika, Frosler, Mthethwa, Ndlovu, Mabaso, Vilakazi, Sirino, Du Preez
