By Michael Madyira
Kaizer Chiefs marked their 2024/25 Premier Soccer League campaign with a comeback 2-1 victory over 10-man Marumo Gallants at Toyota Stadium on Saturday.
The Soweto giants fell behind when Sekela Sithole thrust the home side ahead after just eight minutes.
But Mduduzi Shabalala restored parity nine minutes later before substitute Mfundo Vialakazi grabbed Chiefs’ winner with 11 minutes to go.
The hosts ended the match a man down after Joseph Malongoane, a former Chiefs player, was red-carded in the 76th minute.
Chiefs were back at Toyota Stadium where they lost 4-0 to Young Africans at the end of July and coach Nasreddine Nabi changed what he had hinted at back then.
Five new signings started for the Glamour Boys in goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari, Rushwin Dortley, Inacio Miguel, Gaston Sirino and Bradley Cross.
Gallants coach Dan Malesela had brave decisions to make by starting 36-year-old Maolongoane who had not played a competitive match since January 2023.
Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Xola Mlambo last tasted competitive action in May 2023.
But Gallants went ahead through Sithole whose shot was deflected into goal by Miguel.
Immediately after, Chiefs tried to come back as Ranga Chivaviro hit the side of the net while Gakllants goalkeeper Washington Arubi tipped over the bar a Croos header.
Shabalala had Chiefs back on terms after lobbing Arubi who was then taken off after 18 minutes due to injury.
It was the first time in five seasons for Chiefs to score on the opening day of the PSL campaign.
Arubi’s replacement Daniel Akpeyi then denied Chivaviro in the 38th minute before the Nigerian goalkeeper also stopped a goal-bound Chivaviro shot just after the hour mark.
Chiefs then got the numerical advantage when Malongoane received a straight red card after dangerously tackling a charging Sirino.
Chefs used that extra man advantage with a phenomenal finish by Vialakazi off a pass by Wandile Duba after Yusuf Maart had dummied it.
Pictured above: Christian Saile Basomboli in action against Marumo Gallants
Source: PSL
