Kaizer Chiefs keep CAF hopes intact after climbing to third with victory against Orbit College
This marks the third consecutive league victory for the AmaKhosi, positioning them firmly in contention for CAF Interclub competition next season.
Orbit College opportunities
Before Orbit College found the net, Kaizer Chiefs appeared vulnerable, with two clear openings for the promising young striker Thabang Mahlangu.
Mahlangu turned and created his own opportunity, striking the foot of the post, then nodded over from an unmarked position at a corner.
The 20 year old contributed to South Africas success in winning the Under 20 Africa Cup of Nations last year and shows great potential, having joined Orbit College on loan from Siwelele in January.
He first appeared in the Betway Premiership in 2024, yet after 15 outings, he is still seeking his initial senior strike, although Mondays encounter was his debut start.
Opening goal for the home side
On 22 minutes, Orbit College went ahead through Mbulelo Wagaba, although Kaizer Chiefs keeper Bruce Bvuma must shoulder some responsibility.
Lebogang Lesakos free kick was curled to the far post, allowing Wagaba to direct his header goalwards.
The effort was directly at Bvuma, who mishandled the ball but failed to prevent it crossing the line. He might claim limited reaction time, yet privately he will know he ought to have stopped it.
Kaizer Chiefs level the scores
The away team drew level shortly before the interval with a fine effort from Wandile Duba.
Left back Bradley Cross lofted a precise pass to Duba, who was positioned 12 yards out, and he controlled it elegantly before executing an overhead finish into the net.
Orbit College custodian Cyril Chibwe managed to touch the ball, but it still found the target.
This represents Dubas second goal across successive matches, following his contribution in the recent success against Magesi FC.
With nine goals from 56 senior games, including 33 from the start, the 21 year old demonstrates skills that point to further improvement in his scoring record. The execution here highlighted his prowess.
Shabalala strikes
Kaizer Chiefs dominated proceedings afterwards and assumed the lead via Mdu Shabalala, with assistance from Duba.
Thabiso Monyane advanced into the penalty area on the right flank, delivering a low pass that Duba intelligently left for Shabalala to convert with a side footed effort.
Shabalala evidently enjoys finding the net versus Orbit College, as this was his initial strike since bagging two against them back in November.
Finishing touch
The third goal for Kaizer Chiefs arrived in the 79th minute, courtesy of Siphesihle Ndlovu, whose attempt from outside the area took a deflection off an Orbit College defender to wrong foot Chibwe.
This was Ndlowus first goal since securing the decisive strike against Polokwane City in August, and merely his seventh league tally over the past eight campaigns.
He entered as a substitute, a frequent role this term, and delivered the impactful performance expected.
Current standings
Kaizer Chiefs now occupy third position with 39 points from 21 fixtures, although they risk being displaced by AmaZulu, who face Sekhukhune United later on Monday.
The team aims to lock down third place for a spot in the CAF Confederation Cup next season, and their run of three straight league triumphs bolsters those prospects.
Orbit College linger in the relegation playoff spot, and with basement dwellers Magesi FC clashing against third from bottom Marumo Gallants on Tuesday, they confront a tough choice regarding the preferred outcome.