Maize Cup
Result: Kaizer Chiefs 2-0 Buya Msuthu
Date: 14 July 2018
Venue:James Motlatsi Stadium
Kaizer Chiefs progressed to the Maize Cup final after defeating Buya Msuthu 2-0 thanks to goals from Bernard Parker and Yusuf Bunting.
Chiefs entered the encounter without new signing Khama Billiat, while newly appointed Giovanni Solinas had to watch on from the stands.
The minnows showed some attacking intent in the early stages as they threatened quite a bit on the right flank.
However, it was Chiefs who broke the deadlock on 16 minutes as Siphiwe Tshabalala's cross found Parker, who poked home from six-yards out.
Buya Msuthu did have a couple chances of their own, with Alucious Wagaba going the closest on 30 minutes by firing wide from 12-yards out.
The AmaKhosi ended the half with a couple half chances but Hendrick Ekstein was unable to convert as they went into the break leading by one goal.
After a quiet opening to the half, Ekstein went close to breaking the deadlock after 57 minutes but his curling effort sailed just wide of the mark.
Chiefs assistant coach Patrick Mabedi opted for a change a minute later, with Ryan Moon making way for Bunting, who starred for the club's reserve side in the MultiChoice Diski Shield triumph last season.
Buya Msuthu upped the tempo as the half went on and they squandered a good chance to level matters in the 73rd minute when Simphiwe Ndlovu failed to beat Khune from close range.
Chiefs eventually doubled their lead with seven minutes remaining as Ekstein did well to set up Bunting, who lobbed goalkeeper Sabelo Nkomo.
In the end, 2-0 was how the score remained as Chiefs advance to final where they will face the winner of the second semi-final between Chippa United and Free State Stars.
Here's how they lined up:
Chiefs: 32. Khune, 30. Ngezana, 2. Mphahele, 33. Thibedi, 36. Ntiya-Ntiya, 35. Molape, 27. Ekstein, 13. Jayiya, 14. Tshabalala, 25. Parker, 7. Moon.
Subs: 1. Petersen, 39. Bunting, 41. Shopane, 4. Cardoso, 24. Mirwa, 17. Mahlasela.
Buya: 16. Nkomo, 26. Hlongwane, 4. Thomo, 20. Makarane, 21. Nonyane,32. Madolo, 8. Masoko, 2. Sibanda, 30. Wagaba, 15. Ndlovu, 22. Lentswe.
Subs: 41. Xaba, 6. Machebele, 7. Modiba, 12. Mgwaba, 13. Matjila, 19. Mhlungu, 23. Nhlapo, 27. Khumalo.
