A sublime stoppage time strike from dreadlocked midfielder, Siphiwe Tshabalala earned the Amakhosi a point in a thrilling encounter played in front of a packed Puma Rugby Stadium in Witbank on Wednesday night.

The Glamour Boys were hoping to return to their winning ways following a disappointing draw with Orlando Pirates last weekend but found the hosts, Mpumalanga Black Aces, in an uncompromising mood.

The rookies made their intentions clear as early as the 12th minute when Esau Mtsweni fired home from a close range with the visitors defence at sea. Chiefs got an immediate reply through Knowledge Musona in the 14th minute.

Minutes later, Arthur Bartman who had kept clean sheet in the past two games was called into duty when he denied Aces a lead after Esau Mtsweni had put through his teammates Mpho Maleka and Clifford Mulenga but the two failed to communicate allowing an alert Bartman to thwart the danger.

It did not take long before the host went upfront as Clifford Mulenga found the back of the net in the 29th minute, 2-1 to the PSL rookies, Aces.

In the 36th minute, Mpho Maleka took advantage of Kaizer Chiefs’ shaky defence when he beat the stretched Arthur Bartman, 3-1 at half time.

Aces continued to put pressure on the visitors in the beginning of the second stanza coming close on two occasions. First Bartman denied Mulenga and then Mpho Maleka’s strike hit the side netting.

Chiefs realising that the odds were heavily stuck against them pulled a goal back through sensational striker, Knowledge Musona. Josta Dladla who had replaced David Mathebula at half time was instrumental as the Glamour Boys looked to salvage some pride in front of vociferous fans in Mpumalanga.

Another substitute, Nkosinathi Nhleko should have grabbed an equaliser for the Glamour Boys after he was brilliantly set up by Josta Dladla but found goalkeeper, Thomas Richter at his best as he denied the strike on a one-on-one situation.

The visitors continued to pile pressure on Aces who had resorted on time wasting tactics and they were rewarded deep in the stoppage time when Siphiwe Tshabalala fired home a sublime free kick leaving goalkeeper, Thomas Richter glued on the ground.

Vladimir Vermezovic will not be satisfied with the way his charges defended but a point away from home is something to build on as they travel to QwaQwa on Saturday to honour a meeting with Free State Stars.

Chiefs: Bartman, Tau (Capt.), Jambo, Sweswe, Rooi, Zwane, Yende (Tshabalala 67), Torrealba (Nhleko 63), Musona, Nale, Mathebula (Dladla 46)

Substitutes not used: Metsimetsi, Molekwane, Motaung Jr., Isaacs

Technical Team


Vladimir Vermezovic (Head Coach)


Donald Khuse (Assistant Coach)


Rainer Dinkelacker (Goalkeeper Coach)


David Milner (Team Physio)

Aces: Richter, Dabi, Ithegetseng, Machaka, Maleka, Manamela, Mtsweni, Mulenga, Musasa, Ogle, Themba

Substitutes not used: Lekgothoane, Monyai, Motha, Mthombeni, Ngidi, Ramogoadi, Yoboue

Technical Team


Sammy Troughton (Head Coach)


Lombi Mabosela (Assist. Coach)


Thomas Nare (Goalkeeper Coach)


Dylan Kerr (Masseur)

Match Officials


Daniel Benett (Referee)


N. Masilela(1st Assistant)


Shaheen Salot (2nd Assistant)


Victor Hlongwane(4th Official)


Stan Swart (Match Commissioner)