Goals from Siphiwe Tshabalala (65) and David Mathebula (80) ensured the Glamour Boys end the 2008/9 season with a bang with a well deserved 2-0 victory over Platinum Stars at Olen Park on Saturday afternoon.

Games between the two sides have proved to be tight over the years with seven games drawn, while the two sides won one game a piece. Stars had to come back from two-nil down to force in the last 10 minutes in this corresponding fixture in the first round.

Following a midweek defeat in the hands of Santos, Muhsin Ertugral was released from his duties a day before the game with assistant coach, Fani Madida taking over as a caretaker coach.

Evergreen defender, Thabang Rooi returned to the starting line up replacing injured Dominic Isaacs, while Jonathan Quartey who came in as a substitute against Santos started ahead of Nahayo who was relegated to the bench.

Goalkeeper, Itumeleng Khune who watched proceedings from the bench on Wednesday replaced Emille Baron in goals.

In the midfield, Gerald “Tso” Sibeko made his first start in 2009 alongside midfield general, Tinashe Nengomasha while silky Mathebula occupied the position just behind Kaizer Motaung Jr upfront.

The Glamour Boys needed a point at least to secure a third spot finish in the Absa Premiership and they made their intentions clear as they created the first opportunity of the game when inside five minutes; David Mathebula’s overhead kick went just wide following some piece of good work from Siphiwe Tshabalala on the left.

Bradley Grobler who has proved to be a headache for most teams this season came close to opening the score for the hosts when he beat Khune to the ball only to drag his shot just wide of goal. This was following some deft touches from Dillon Sheppard.

On the other side of the pitch, Itumeleng Khune justified his selection to the Confederations Squad on Thursday when he pulled a super save denying Godfrey Sapula who only had the 21 year old to beat, 0-0 at Olen Park.

On the 30th minute veteran winger, Arthur Zwane who returned to the starting line up had his shot parried over the bar by Tapuwa Kapini.

Chiefs who were the better of the two sides came close on two occasions; first David Mathebula’s close range shot was saved by Kapini while Kaizer Motaung Jr watched his shot going agonisingly wide a minute later, 0-0 at half time.

Caretaker coach was forced to make a forced substitution in the beginning of the second stanza replacing injured captain, Jimmy Tau with Jeffrey Ntuka.

It was Kapini again who saved Platinum Stars blushes as one-two between David Mathebula saw the latter beating the goalkeeper to the ball but he recovered quickly to save Mathebula’s overhead kick.

Stars seemed to struggle dealing with Siphiwe Tshabalala who had drifted inside while David Mathebula operated on the left side on the field.

Siphiwe Tshabalala who had a storming game came close drabbing an opener but he dragged his shot wide. This was following a cross from veteran winger Arthur Zwane. He took his time to control the ball but dragged his shot wide of goal.

Siphiwe Tshabalala was not going to be denied in the 65th minute in a solo effort that saw his beating a cluster of defenders to round the goalkeeper making it 1-0 to the visitors.

Platinum Stars defence who were caught in sixes and sevens on most occasions were lucky not to concede a second goal of the match when Tinashe Nengomasha’s deflected shot went just wide of Kapini’s goals following superb work from David Mathebula.

David “Hosi yaa Mina” Mathebula sealed the victory for the Glamour Boys in the 80th minute with a well taken volley. Chiefs had once again caught the hosts facing their poles, Ntuka’s square pass landed on Kaizer Motaung Jr who unselfishly laid it for David Mathebula to put the ball in the back of the net giving the diving Tapuwa Kapini no chance, 2-0.

Kaizer Chiefs end 2008/9 season on 50 points third spot behind Orlando Pirates and champions, SuperSport United.

Chiefs: Khune, Tau (Capt) (Ntuka 46), Bhasera, Rooi, Quartey, Nengomasha, Zwane (Letsholonyane 67), Sibeko, Motaung (Nale 85), Mathebula, Tshabalala

Substitutes not used: Baron, Bulu, Nahayo, Masango

Technical Team

Fani Madida (Caretaker Coach)


Rainer Dinkelacker (Goalkeeper Coach)


David Milner (Team Physio)


Aadil Bodhania (Team Doctor)

Stars: Kapini, Zwane (Mofokeng 57), Tshabalala, Jackson, Mkalipa (Thebakang 75), Masanabo (Williams 70), Sapula, Kgatla (Capt.), Sheppard, Grobler, Botes

Substitutes not used: Lobo, Lupahla, Mogaila, Thomas

Technical Team

Miguel Gamondi (Head Coach)


Cavin Johnson (1st Assistant Coach)


Thamaga Mokopi (Team Manager)


Johan Serfontein (Physio)


Edgard Da Silver (Goalkeeper Coach)

Match Officials

Yusuf Vawda (Referee)


Godfrey Selopetsa (1st Assistant)


Johannes Moshidi (2nd Assistant)


Victor Hlungwane (4th Official)


Jorge Lobo (Match Commissioner)