CARLING KNOCKOUT CUP
Mihlali Baleka|Published
KAIZER CHIEFS (0)(3)
Duba 48’, 62’, 66’
TS GALAXY (0)(0)
Kaizer Chiefs will head into the Soweto derby against arch-rivals Orlando Pirates on Saturday high on confidence after progressing to the next round of the Carling Knockout Cup, following their 3-0 victory over TS Galaxy in the last 16 at FNB Stadium on Tuesday night.
Wandile Duba was the main man for Amakhosi, scoring his first top-flight hat-trick. Not only was he duly voted the Champion Player of the Match by the fans, but he also received a standing ovation when he came off, with supporters chanting “Duba, Duba, Duba”.
Chiefs’ second half didn’t only produce goals, but it also gave some players – who had been sidelined due to injuries, such as Flavio Silva – some valuable game-time. That feat should ensure they head into the derby with more options all around.
Chiefs came into the match under pressure following a string of poor results, including crashing out of the CAF Confederation Cup last Friday. They had a sluggish start to the game, however, showing no sense of urgency in the first half.
Their supporters were visibly frustrated with that performance, yelling at the players and the team. Coach Fernando da Cruz, meanwhile, appreciated every chance created and successful tackle made, cajoling his team.
With chances few and far between, the two goalkeepers were hardly called into action in the first half. That must have been pleasing for Da Cruz, given the fact that he made a host of changes in defence, including handing a starting berth to Rushwin Dortley, who had been sidelined for more than a year due to injury.
Chiefs returned with vigor in the second half, taking the game to the visitors. They were duly rewarded with an early goal as Wandile Duba turned home Pule Mmodi’s cross inside the box.
Chiefs continued to apply the pressure, and they were duly rewarded yet again as Mduduzi Shabalala won a penalty after being fouled by Veluyeke Zulu inside the box. Vilakazi took the penalty and struck the upright before Duba reacted quickly to slot home the rebound.
Duba wrapped up his hat-trick after beating the offside trap to get on the end of Shabalala’s through-ball before going one-on-one with goalkeeper Melusi Mathebula, who was beaten with precision and power.
Mathebula’s night would be cut short as he sustained an injury that forced him to be substituted and replaced by Sipho Maseti, who was hardly challenged as Chiefs had all but wrapped up the win.
Chiefs will take a huge morale boost heading into the derby on Saturday, having done well tonight by scoring three goals and keeping a clean sheet.