Kaizer Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane was thrilled to see his powerful striker Christian Saile Basomboli score his first league goal for Amakhosi as they broke down the resistance of Maritzburg United at Harry Gwala Stadium on Saturday night.
Saile, who was preferred ahead of Caleb-Bonfils Bimenyimana, scored a cracking strike from the edge of the box, picking up a pass from the centre circle and striding forward before unleashing the bullet shot that beat Renaldo Leaner at his near post, as Chiefs went two goals to the goods in the opening 10 minutes.
The 23-year-old was holding his hand to the ear to the fans to embrace coach Zwane and the technical team as Chiefs ran the home side rugged at the packed to rafters at Harry Gwala Stadium.
It was the Congolese’s second goal at Chiefs this season in all competitions, having also scored against the same Maritzburg in the Nedbank Cup round of 32 at the same venue last month.
But throughout the game, Saile was a handful, proving to be too hot to handle by Maritzburg on his return from suspension, with Zwane being pleased with his striker’s display and overall development since joining the club in Ja
“He [Saile] has done well, happy for him and also the players are helping to settle in quickly,” said Zwane.
“They have embraced him as well, so he is quite a good guy, very humbled young man and also willing to work socks off.
“I’m happy that his hard work he put in against Maritzburg was rewarded with a goal, he deserves it and he is a team player.
“We will keep on working with him, because we want him to keep on improving his game and get better and better. The more we create that competition within the squad, that will help a lot of players as well to up our game time whenever given the opportunity to play.”
This win was the third league win on the trot for Chiefs, the second time they have done so this term, to remain fourth in the DStv Premiership and very much in hunt for the CAF club competition spot for next season.
Amakhosi are tied on points (37 after 23 matches played) with Soweto rivals – Orlando Pirates, two behind second-placed SuperSport United, who hold the last Champions League spot.
Post the FIFA break, Chiefs will host Stellenbosch at FNB Stadium on 1 April. Sadly for Amakhosi that might be the day Mamelodi Sundowns win the league title if they beat Cape Town City.
