Johannesburg – Kaizer Chiefs returned to the top of the Premiership table, striking twice in the first half and holding off a determined Platinum Stars outfit in the last 45 minutes, to secure a 2-0 win in Phokeng on Wednesday evening.
Amakhosi remained unbeaten after four matches in the league campaign.
The high-flying Soweto giants took the lead in the 20th minute, leaving the Stars defence floundering as Reneilwe Letsholonyane controlled the ball well on the edge of the area and fired into the top right corner.
Shortly after the half-hour mark, left-footed George Lebese netted their second with his right foot, slicing the ball in from a tight angle.
Holding a clear advantage, Chiefs maintained their intensity after the half-time break.
Less than a minute after the restart, Stars goalkeeper Kabelo Dambe delivered a stunning save to deny a thunderous attempt from George Maluleka, tipping the ball over the crossbar.
Maluleka came close again five minutes later, after being fed into the box by Letsholonyane, but his close-range effort was smothered by Dambe.
Shortly afterwards, Stars had their best opportunity of the match, but Patrick Malokase directed his shot straight at Chiefs goalminder Itumeleng Khune, who easily handled the attempt.
Maluleka had one more chance to bury the hosts with seven minutes left, but he was again denied by Dambe.
Stars created numerous chances throughout the match, particularly in the second half, but they were unable to break through the solid Chiefs defence. – Sapa