Bernard Parker’s second half goal was all Kaizer Chiefs needed to earn a 1-0 win over Maritzburg United on Sunday night.
Ramahlwe Mphahlele and Reeve Frosler were named in the starting XI, while Richard Zuma and Keegan Ritchie returned to Maritzburg’s first eleven.
Chiefs came into the game with full confidence after they came out victorious in the Soweto Derby and they should have had the lead after two minutes when Billiat’s corner from the left was poorly headed over by Njabulo Ngcobo from close range.
The Team of Choice managed to get into the game and get going as Keegan Ritchie did his magic on the wings to set up Bongokuhle Hlongwane with teasing cross but the Bafana Bafana striker’s attempt went out for a corner.
Hlongwane was making things happen and in the 36th minute ran at the Chiefs defence before unleashing a powerful effort which went over the crossbar.
After the epic first half battle, Amakhosi showed more patience and composure as they kept searching for an opening in the final third.
However, it was the visitors who managed to take the lead through a set-piece. Keagan Dolly, Billiat and Parker combined for the goal, as the latter headed home for the game’s opener.
Maritzburg sought for response and they kept pushing for an equalizer. Rowan Human came off the bench for the Team of Choice, but to no effect.
It was Chiefs who held their nerves in the end to claim a fifth league win of the season and move three points clear of Orlando Pirates in the DStv Premiership standings.