The build-up to this fixture was dominated by Kaizer Chiefs’ pending move to sign a ‘top striker’ but Zambian junior international Collins Mbesuma answered the call with a superb hat-trick in the 4-1 win against Dynamos in Giyani on Saturday.

Following the disappointing showing in the two pre-season tournaments, Vodacom Challenge and Telkom Charity Cup coupled with a worrying lack of goals, many have started wondering if Amakhosi would effectively manage to defend their title.

And when they conceded an early goal, the picture looked gloomier. Dynamos star of the day Sandile Ndlovu beat an offside trap on seven minutes and fired low in the near post for the opening goal. The Giyani side appeared to grow in confidence after this goal as they ventured forward for more goals.

But that became their downfall as they left many holes in defence ion search of more goals.

Within three minutes from the opening goal, Chiefs found the equaliser through Mbesuma, who hammered in a good cross from Emmanuel “Scara” Ngobese.

Veteran midfielder Thabo Mooki had done the groundwork before flying in the cross to Ngobese from the right.

Mbesuma, who missed the Vodacom Challenge due to personal problems, was really on song despite starting the match as the sole striker with midfielder John Moshoeu occasionally helping in attack.

The Zambian proved to be a handful for the hosts particularly defender Clifford Ntiwane who had the unenviable task of closing down the burly marksman.

The arrival of striker David Radebe, in place of Moshoeu, seemed to have tip the scales Amakhosi’s way.

Radebe’s first contribution was a short pass to Tinashe Nengomasha, who then played the ball to Mbesuma, who put Chiefs in the driving seat with a well-taken goal.

Radebe should have added his name on the scoring chart but Dynamos keeper Arthur Baartman was on alert to block his close-range attempt.

Baartman, however had no answer to Mbesuma’s attempt on 75 minutes and defender Patrick Mabedi, who was recently granted SA citizenship, sealed the victory on 82 minutes with Mbesuma the provider this time around.

The match also marked the return to action of winger Arthur Zwane after more than six months on the sidelines. The speedy winger displayed a vintage performance and his trademark crosses always troubled the Giyani team.