Kaizer Chiefs won three games in a row for the first time this season after defeating Richards Bay 1-0 in their final home game of the year.
DStv Premiership
Result: Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 Richards Bay FC
Date: 23 December 2023
Venue: FNB Stadium
Chiefs made only two changes from the side that edged Polokwane City, as Edson Castillo and Jasond Gonzalez were recalled.
Amakhosi put Richards Bay under pressure in the opening exchanges but they could not maintain the intensity of their attacks in scorching heat.
The Natal Rich Boyz were dangerous on counter-attacks as midway into the first stanza, Sanele Barns almost broke the deadlock with a rocket from the edge of the box that was bravely parried away by goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma.
Cavin Johnson's charges settled better in the game after the water break, with prolonged spells of possession and just before the half-time interval, Christian Saile almost broke the deadlock with a low cracker that hit the side-netting at the near post.
The Glamour Boys gained momentum after that and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo eventually broke the deadlock with a low strike from range after he was left unmarked surging through on goal.
There was not much separating the two sides in the early exchanges of the second stanza and with Richards Bay committing numbers forward, Johnson made an attacking change on 67 minutes, as he brought on Ashley Du Preez in place of Gonzalez for pace up top.
However, Kaitano Tembo's men almost levelled matters moments later as Njabulo Ngcobo cleared a header in the box off the line.
Chiefs kept their defensive shape in the closing stages and did not commit numbers in their attacks and managed to hold on their third consecutive win
Here's how they lined up:
Kaizer Chiefs: 44. Bvuma, 39. Frosler, 23. Hlanti, 2. Dove, 25. Msimango, 8. Maart, 17. Castillo, 12. Nk. Ngcobo, 13. Mmodi, 21. Saile, 14. Gonzalez
Subs: 1. Petersen, 27. Ngcobo, 18. Solomons, 37. Zwane, 11. Potsane, 19. Mashiane, 42. Shabalala, 7. Chivaviro, 9. Du Preez
Richards Bay: 80. Magoola, 22. Mabuya, 3. Ndaba, 99. Dube, 25. Mcineka, 6. Mabaso, 45. Ntsundwana, 8. Mohomi, 9. Mbuthuma, 30. Barns, 13. Gumede
Subs: 48. Manqele, 5. Mthethwa, 46. Ndlovu, 27. Makateng, 23. Figareido, 37. Mngomezulu, 20. Mthembu, 21. Mhlongo, 28 Banda.
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