Chiefs Level with Sundowns:
Kaizer Chiefs have climbed level with Mamelodi Sundowns at the summit of the Betway Premiership after a commanding 4-1 victory over Orbit College at the FNB Stadium on Tuesday evening. Mduduzi Shabalala stole the show with a brace and an assist, propelling Amakhosi to their sixth unbeaten league match in a row and extending their form across all competitions to five games without defeat. Sitting on 22 points, Chiefs now occupy second place behind Sundowns on goal difference, keeping the pressure on the leaders in what promises to be a tight title race.
Orbit College, unable to stretch their league winning streak to three, slipped from 11th to 12th on the table with 13 points. The Mswenko boys put up a fight but were outclassed by a ruthless Chiefs side that capitalised on key moments. With the international break looming, both teams will return to action on 22 November – Chiefs facing Magesi at Seshego Stadium in Polokwane, and Orbit taking on Stellenbosch at Olympia Park in Rustenburg.
This win not only boosts Chiefs’ confidence but also showcases the growing talent in their ranks, particularly among the youngsters. As the festive season approaches, fans are hopeful this form will carry them through a busy period and keep them in the hunt for silverware.
Shabalala’s Masterclass: Brace and Assist Seal Early Dominance
The match burst into life just four minutes in when Thabiso Monyane cut the ball back from the byline, bypassing Etiosa Ighodaro and finding Mduduzi Shabalala, who slotted home his second league goal of the season to give Chiefs a dream start. Shabalala’s performance was the highlight, earning him a stellar 9.2 rating from analysts for his creativity and finishing. He created the most chances with two, including a big one, and added five passes in the final third while winning four ground duels.
Chiefs kept pressing, with Ighodaro missing a headed chance in the 11th minute. A potential penalty was waved away in the 35th minute when Mfundo Vilakazi went down inside the box. As halftime neared, Shabalala’s free-kick nearly found Aden McCarthy at the back post, but it sailed just over. The hosts went into the break 1-0 up, controlling possession and creating the better opportunities.
Shabalala’s influence grew in the second half. In the 61st minute, Sibongiseni Mthethwa’s shot deflected off Yanga Madiba into Ighodaro’s path; the striker’s attempt was saved, but Shabalala pounced on the rebound to double the lead. His brace took his seasonal tally to three goals, underlining his rise as a key player for Chiefs.
Vilakazi and Silva Add Gloss: Orbit’s Consolation Amid Late Push
Mfundo Vilakazi, rated 8.3 for his efforts, lit up the stadium in the 73rd minute. Shabalala found him with space on the right of the box; the 19-year-old took one touch before curling a beauty into the top left corner for his first league goal of the season. Vilakazi’s display included two successful dribbles, five recoveries, and four ground duels won, showcasing his all-around game.
Orbit pulled one back in the 70th minute through substitute Ayanda Lukhele, who rose above McCarthy to head home a perfectly placed cross – his second goal of the season. This sparked a brief resurgence, with the visitors forcing a triple save from Chiefs keeper Brandon Petersen in the 79th minute to deny them a second.
But Chiefs sealed the deal in the 89th minute when substitute Flávio Silva bagged his fourth goal in five appearances this season, putting the result beyond doubt. Silva’s clinical finish highlighted Chiefs’ depth off the bench, a factor that could prove vital in the title chase.
Unbeaten Streak and Standout Performances: Chiefs’ Form on Fire
Amakhosi’s unbeaten run in the league now stands at six games, with this win marking their third straight victory. Across all competitions, they have gone five without loss, a streak that has fans dreaming of ending their trophy drought. The team’s defensive solidity was evident, with Bradley Cross earning an 8.3 rating for his work, including five recoveries and strong duels.
Orbit, despite the defeat, showed spirit, but their defensive lapses cost them dearly. The match drew a crowd of around 15,000, a solid turnout for a midweek fixture, boosted by the presence of Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, who attended to scout talent ahead of his squad announcement for a friendly against Zambia.
Player ratings underscored Chiefs’ dominance: Shabalala led with 9.2, followed by Vilakazi at 8.3, Thabo Cele at 7.8, Cross at 7.8, and Zitha Kwinika at 7.5. For Orbit, Lukhele’s goal was a bright spot, but they struggled to match Chiefs’ intensity.
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