By Michael Madyira
Kaizer Chiefs had another smash-and-grab afternoon following a slim 1-0 Premier Soccer League victory over Polokwane City at Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Pule Mmodi scored six minutes into the second half for another set of maximum points to climb three rungs up the table to fifth place.
It was a follow-up to last week’s 1-0 win over Moroka Swallows in what was another outing of grinding a result.
Following Saturday’s match, Polokwane City remained 10th in the standings.
Amakhosi caretaker coach Cavin Johnson again trusted midfielder Nkosingiphile Ngcobo as he missed the services of injured Keagan Dolly.
Polokwane City had familiar faces like Douglas Mapfumo, Given Mashikinya and Oswin Appollis.
The first real chance of the game came after 14 minutes when Bruce Bvuma did well to deny Mapfumo who had a free header despite being sandwiched by Chiefs defenders Reeve Frosler and Given Msimango.
Immediately after, Chiefs survived another Polokwane City raid when Tholo Matuludi’s acrobatic effort crashed against the crossbar.
Chiefs’ first opportunity at goal arrived in the 27th minute when Christian Saile Basomboli’s curler lacked the power to trouble Manuel Sapunga in goal for the home side.
Chiefs dominated play but were struggling to turn their ball possession into meaningful attacks.
But the Soweto giants returned to break the deadlock when Ranga Chivaviro released Mmodi who cut in from the left flank to fire past Sapunga.
The goal gave Chiefs a spring in their step and Chivaviro’s powerful dive was met with a diving intervention by Sapunga.
They continued being in charge of the contest but could not increase their lead, risking a Polokwane City comeback but they managed to hold on to their narrow lead.
Pictured above: Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Edson Castillo dribbles past Polokwane City’s Puleng Marema.
Image source: Kaizer Chiefs
