Kaizer Chiefs managed to secure a top-eight finish in the DStv Premiership after a gritty 1-0 win over TS Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday.
Arthur Zwane, who has been serving in interim capacity since the dismissal of Gavin Hunt, made just a single change with Nkosingiphile Ngcobo replacing Kearyn Baccus in the starting lineup. Elsewhere, Lindokuhle Mbatha, Mxolisi Macuphu and Macbeth Mahlangu all started for the hosts in the crunch fixture.
As early as the seventh minute, Masilakhe Phohlongo tested Bruce Bvuma from distance before Luckyboy Mokoena sent the ball into the crowded area for Mxolisi Macuphu, whose attempt went south of the upright.
Amakhosi went on to take the lead in the 26th minute as Reeve Frosler’s long throw-in was flicked by a Galaxy defender to Nurkovic, who simply nodded past Wensten van der Linde for the game’s opener.
Willard Katsande was given a caution for bringing down Sihle Nduli six minutes to the end of the half. Bvuma, who has been in excellent form of late, made an incredible save to deny Machuphu’s header from Mokoena’s delivery. This helped preserve Chiefs’ lead going into the break.
Shortly after the interval, Ngcobo sent a ball in the box from the left side of the midfield for Castro, but the Colombian couldn’t steer the ball on goal as the chance went begging.
Chiefs, who have taken the initiative, were patient in their build-up and kept knocking the ball around but the Rockets defence kept strong and made it difficult for Amakhosi to penetrate.
Shortly after the hour mark, Nurkovic played Manyama in behind, who went down under a challenge from Mokoena in the penalty area, but the penalty appeal fell on deaf ears as the referee waved for play on.
However, Nurkovic could have wrapped it up in the 81st minute when he got into a decent position in the final third, holding up several opposition players before squaring for Ngcobo, who only had the simplest of tasks to do, but failed to make a decisive contact with the ball.
In the end, the Soweto giants held on for a final day win that earns them a chance to play in the MTN8 next season.