DURBAN – A change of leadership and a change of formation for Kaizer Chiefs, but the results are still identical for Amakhosi as they suffered back-to-back defeats at the expense of Lamontville Golden Arrows on Tuesday night.
Chiefs went down 3-1 in their Absa Premiership clash with Abafana Bes’thende at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu.
Chiefs had the terrible twins of Patrick Mabedi and Arthur Zwane on the bench to lead the Soweto giants following Steve Komphela’s resignation.
Mabedi made three changes to his starting line-up. Philani Zulu, Ryan Moon and Hendrick Ekstein made way for Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Leonardo Castro and George Maluleka.
There was also no place in the bench for the outgoing goal-minder Brilliant Khuzwayo and Siphelele Ntshangase. Bruce Bvuma deputised for Itumeleng Khune on the bench.
Fans cheered for Amakhosi’s football manager Bobby Motaung as he was about to take his seat in the VIP area.
The security was beefed up for Tuesday’s encounter after the violence that erupted at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday night as Chiefs supporters vented their anger following the club’s humiliating 2-0 Nedbank Cup semi-final defeat to Free State Stars.
More than 10 police vehicles were at the stadium to monitor any unruly behaviour and ensure peace at the stadium.
Five minutes before the final whistle, the police were standing in front of the tunnel to protect the players and the technical staff as a precaution.
Free State Stars targeted Tsepo Masilela on Chiefs’ left-hand side this past weekend, and Arrows opened the freeway on the same side on Tuesday.
Masilela was substituted at halftime this past weekend, but Mabedi decided to start with him at left back.
Lerato Lamola stormed past Masilela and finished with aplomb to beat Khune less than five minutes after the game commenced.
Masilela looked rusty and lethargic. You can’t blame him though as an injury has kept him out for much of the season.
The majority of Arrows’ attacks came from his side. Masilela was taken off after 65 minutes and replaced by Zulu.
Chiefs were reduced to 10 men 16 minutes into the match, when Castro committed a dangerous foul on Matome Mathiane and was given a straight red card.
Lamola should have doubled the lead for Arrows, but chipped his shot over the bar.
Mabedi opted for the traditional 4-4-2 formation that Chiefs used to utilise during his playing days at the club.
Arrows went close again just six minutes before the interval, with Limbikani Mzava played a telling ball in the box to Velemseni Ndwandwe, but his shot went over the bar.
Bernard Parker levelled matters for Amakhosi just minutes before halftime.
Arrows started the second half like they began the first half as Lamola put them back in the lead three minutes into the second half.
Mulomowandau Mathoho missed a sitter in the dying minutes of the match after Gustavo Paez set him up.
Ndwandwe secured the maximum points for Arrows with the third goal in referee’s additional time.
FULL TIME: pic.twitter.com/NmePy8jq0N
— Golden Arrows FC (@goldenarrowsfc1) April 24, 2018
The defeat left Chiefs’ goal of qualifying for the Caf Confederation Cup in danger and took Arrows a few steps to safety.
Amakhosi have to finish third if they want to campaign in Africa next year, while three points will ensure their safety in their next encounter against Platinum Stars at home.
Chiefs are currently fourth on the log, but tied with Maritzburg United on 42 points. The two sides will meet on Saturday at 3pm in the battle for third spot at FNB Stadium.
@Minenhlecr7
IOL Sport