Kaizer Chiefs’ strong second half performance and aided by Sibongiseni Mthethwa’s sub saw them come from behind to beat Sekhukhune United 2-1 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Wednesday.
Chiefs made of a heavy weather in the first half as Elias Mokwana took the lead for Sekhukhune just before the break, as Chiefs were not constructive in the first stanza, but they came back strongly in the second with goals by Edson Castillo and Edmilson Dove, which saw them end their three-match winless streak against Babino Noko.
Mthethwa, with Chiefs having confirmed his signing on Wednesday, was the talk of town prior to the game and coach Molefi Ntseki was named him on the substitute bench.
When the stadium announcer read his name out before the game, it was met with huge applause by the healthy crowd at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
And when he went to do the warm ups in the first half, fans also applauded his name loudly, with the central defender raising his fingers to signal Chiefs slogan to thank them. It was what Chiefs needed to spring some life in the side that has struggled in the moth of September.
Ntseki made two changes in the starting line-up – Njabulo Ngcobo, who has seen little action, took the place of Given Msimango in defence.
And Dove, who scored when Chiefs beat Golden Arrows at the very same venue in January in what was their last win at the 2010 World Cup semi-finals stadium prior to this game, was brought in for much-maligned Sifiso Hlanti at the left back channel.
Chiefs could have been ahead in 10th minute when Castillo tried to lob over the Badri Sangare, but the Ivory Coast international got a bit of the ball, allowing Daniel Cardoso to clear the danger.
But Sekhukhune always looked a threat and when they went behind Chiefs defence, they made it count in the 45th minute.
Chiubuke Ohizu set up Mokwana, who beat Brandon Petersen with a first-time hit at the far post to see Babino Noko go into half time leading.
As Chiefs were trailing and nothing going well in the early stages in the second half, football manager Bobby Motaung and sporting director Kaizer Junior Motaung cut forlorn figures in the directors’ box.
But their sadness soon turned to joy. Sekhukhune were trying to be smart playing from the back, but Chiefs applied a press and the ball was lost, with Ashley Du Preez’s ball shot headed in by Castillo in the 59th minute.
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At that time Mthethwa had already taken off the warm up gear and was ready to play, adding more appreciation from the stands.
The 29-year-old replaced goal scorer Castillo to add muscle in the midfield.
As Chiefs were in ascendancy, Dove ensured Chiefs got their first win in September, rising up well to beat Sangare with a good header at the far corner.
There were a few nervy moments near the death, with Sibusiso Vilakazi hitting the woodwork with two minutes to play.
But when the final whistle blew, Chiefs had held on and Ntseki’s team took the three points.
