Kaizer Chiefs beat Mbabane Highlanders, Swaziland, 2-0 to reach the final of Mpumalanga Premier’s International Football Cup in Witbank. Both goals were scored in the first half by Mabhuti Khenyeza and David Mathebula, who put the ball in goal from the penalty spot after Sandile Zuke was brought down in the box by a Highlanders defender.

The Amakhosi played well in the first half with midfielder Gert Schalkwyk and Khenyeza showing some fine form, while Zuke won the Man of the Match award. Chiefs could have added some more goals in the second half but substitutes Tshepo Bulu and Mandla Masango failed to finish.

Chiefs coach Muhsin Ertugral was satisfied with the first win, adding that “we played well in the first 20 minutes of the first half and the last 20 minutes of the second half. I was above all happy with the performance of substitute Michael Nkambule, who really showed good form”. However, he also explained that Chiefs was still without “our nine international players”, which included the likes of Ithumeleng Khune, Siphiwe Tshabalalala, Gerald Sibeko, Onismor Bhasera, Tinashe Nengomashe, Jose Torrealba and Valery Nahayo.

Newly signed Gordon Gilbert started the match at left back in front of his former home crowd of Mpumalanga Black Aces and was enthusiastically applauded by the fans whenever he touched the ball. The 20-year-old striker Siphelele Mthembu made his debut as well. Two other new signings, Reneilwe Letsholonyane and Thabang Rooi, came on in the second half, while the talented left-footed George Lebese also got an opportunity to play, acquitting himself well.

Chiefs will play the final against Mozambican side Deportivo Maputo who beat Mpumalanga Black Aces on penalties, after the normal game finished in a 2-2 draw.

Kaizer Chiefs starting line-up:

Baron; Zwane, Tau, Mathe, Gilbert (Rooi 71’); Phala (Masango 55’), Zuk(Nkambule 64’), Mathebula (Lebese 84’), Schalkwyk (Letsholonyane 55’), Khenyeza; Mthembu (Bulu 55’)