By Michael Madyira
The 2023/24 season just got worse for Kaizer Chiefs after a last 32 elimination from the Nedbank Cup.
Amakhosi were defeated 5-4 on penalties by 10-man National First Division side Milford FC on Sunday.
Following a 0-0 draw after extra time at FNB Stadium, unheralded Milford dragged Chiefs to the lottery kicks despite going a man down when Vusumuzi Mthabela was red-carded after 111 minutes.
A miracle is now needed for Chiefs to finish the season with a piece of silverware as their chances of clinching the Premier Soccer League look very slim.
For the third time in the last four Nedbank Cup editions, the Soweto giants have bowed out at the first hurdle.
This time around they were frustrated by Milford who were playing only their second Nedbank Cup in their 12-year history, with goalkeeper Siphamandla Hleza the hero.
The second-tier side are owned and coached by Dr Xanti Pupuma, a Richards Bay-based gynaecologist who tactically matched Cavin Johnson.
Midfielder Mduduzi Shabalala was back in the Chiefs starting line-up as Yusuf Maart, Pule Mmodi and the experienced Keagan Dolly were relegated to the bench.
It started as a promising afternoon for the Soweto giants when Ashley du Preez hit the woodwork while facing a yawning goal four minutes into the match.
Soon after, Shabalala mis-hit a Happy Mashiane cross while Edson Castillo’s follow-up effort was cleared off the goal line as Milford began some spirited defending.
On the hour mark Hleza brilliantly made a double save off Nkosingiphile Ngcobo and Shabalala.
Shortly after, Mfundo Vilakazi made his debut and he did not take much time to force a good save from a busy Hleza who was back again to deny Edmilson Dove.
More frustration was to come for Chiefs with five minutes remaining, when Hzela’s punched save off substitute Ranga Chivaviro’s strike went off the woodwork.
The contest went to extra time where Amakhosi were handed a golden opportunity to claim victory as Milford’s Unathi Somabhele handled inside the box. But Hleza emerged heroic by saving Chivaviro’s penalty kick.
Milford then went a man down following another yellow card to Mthabela and Chiefs could not capitalise on that.
The Soweto giants agonisingly watched Olwethu Cele making a goalline clearance right at the death in what was a nerve-wracking finish to the match.
Pictured above: Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Sibongiseni Mthethwa controls the ball trying to get past Milford FC players
Image source: Kaizer Chiefs
