Dismissal: Sikhakhane

Kaizer Chiefs' title aspiration took a serious knock when they were held to a 0-0 by AmaZulu in an Absa Premiership match played at Chatsworth Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The win in Durban would have taken Amakhosi to the second spot behind Supersport United who are on 40 points after registering a win on Saturday night. They remain on fourth position tied on 34 points with archrivals, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.

Muhsin Ertugral made only two changes to the side that started against Bloemfontein Celtic last weekend. Captain, Jimmy Tau replaced youngster Wayne Matle while the exciting, David Mathebula replaced the equally talented, Abia Nale.

It was AmaZulu who started the game on a high note, with striker, Dumisani Ngwenya forcing Itumeleng Khune to dive low inside the first ten minutes.

Then the latter pulled a good save denying Sithembiso Dlamini who was released with a superb pass by his teammate, Dumisani Ngwenya.

Then, the Glamour Boys came close when Kaizer Motaung Jr’s diving header went just wide of Kakonje Kalililo’s left upright. This was following a superb cross from Siphiwe Tshabalala.

Halftime score, 0-0.

Kaizer Motaung Jr. who was a constant threat to the opposition’s defence continued with his work rate upfront but found AmaZulu defence, monitored by captain, Pere Ariweriyai in an uncompromising mood.

Muhsin Ertugral replaced Jose Torrealba bringing to the fray Abia Nale to inject more energy up front.

The substitute immediately made impression and came close creating an opener in the 73rd minute before the opposition’s defender Pere Ariweriyai made a desperate clearance.

Then in the 80th minute, Siphiwe Tshabalala’s deflected a 20 metre free kick that went just over the bar as Chiefs searched for an elusive winner.

AmaZulu were reduced to 10 men in the 85th minute when Ntokozo Sikhakhane received his second caution after a foul on Mathebula.

Chiefs will now host log leaders, Supersport United at Loftus next Saturday night, 28 February 2009.

Chiefs: Khune, Tau (Capt.), Bhasera, Nahayo, Rooi, Nengomasha, Zwane, Torrealba (Nale 65), Mathebula, Motaung Jr., Tshabalala

Substitutes not used: Baron, Masango, Matle, Letsholonyane, Mooki, Masango

Technical Team

Muhsin Ertugral (Head Coach)


Fani Madida (Assistant Coach)


Rainer Dinkelacker (Goalkeeper Coach)

AmaZulu: Kaililo, Sillo, Gumede, Ariweriyai (Capt.), Chintu, Sikhakhane, Zwane, Mabaso, Dlamini (Ngxabi 82), Ritson (Shongwe 65), Ngwenya (Kasonga 87)

Substitutes not used: Mamphitha, Majola, Kasonga, Zwane P, Biyela

Technical Team

Clive Barker (Head Coach)


Niel Tovey (Technical Manager)


Thami Ngubane (Assistant Coach)


Graham Johnson (Goalkeeper Coach)


Devan Augstyn (Physio)

Match Officials

Jerom Damon (Referee)


Mantuse Nayo (1st Assistant)


Collin Netshiongolwe (2nd Assistant)


Yusuf Vawda (4th Official)


Job Smith (Match Commissioner)