
By Obakeng Maje
Durban-Kaizer Chiefs clearly showed that they were still in a celebratory mood after winning Absa Premiership title.
They were up against Suspersport United in a Nedbank Cup final that was played at Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban.
Supersport started to insinuate their way into Chiefs half from the first whistle.
They were playing with euphony and the prose between former Bafana striker Sibusiso Zuma and George Maluleka was out of this world as they played with delicacy.
Pretoria side started asking questions to Chiefs defence that was marshalled by evergreen Molumowandawo Mathoho.
Maluleka was a thorn in Chiefs flesh as he maneuvered his way into Chiefs yards earnestly.
He was brought down by Chiefs and Bafana midfielder Simphiwe Tshabalala only five minutes into the game.
Soweto-based club were former selves as they were playing spuriously and felt browbeaten in times.
Chiefs created only one real chance on the 12 minutes when Parker set up Majoro who was judged offside.
Former Orlando Pirates strike Sibusiso “Rhee” Zuma’s header was parried away by Itu Khune.
Chiefs midfielder George Lebese received a yellow card after bringing Zuma down. He was substituted fifteen minutes before full-time where he made way for seasoned player, Siyabonga Nkosi.
Supersport continue to deny Chiefs more space and played with more deception.
Chiefs defence was more buyoed at the back and denying Supersport striker Maluleka a golden opportunity to score. Maluleka cried our for a penalty, but the referee gave him a yellow card for diving. He was substituted by Gavin Hunt and made way for Hartog.
“We all worked hard at the village, from top management down to a tea lady, including our supporters. We really deserve it” Parker said.
The reigning champions started to pick up the tempo of the game in second half and showed more pedigree.
On the 84 minutes, Katsande tries to break the deadlock with an ambitious 20-yard strike that was slightly too high.
Bafana defender siboniso Gaxa suffered an harmstring muscle and he was substituted in referee’s additional time.
Chiefs coach brought in Zvasiya to keep the back door closed.
The game ended in a stalemate after the referee blew his whistle sending a game into extra-time.
Chiefs striker Bernard Parker scored a thunderbolt few minutes in extra time after receiving a telly pass from Tshabalala.
Hunt shuffled up his striking force by bringing in Bradley Grobler for Kermit Erasmus.
Chiefs started to put mount of pressure on Supersport when Majoro forced Williams to come to the rescue.
Supersport Ashley Hartog missed a sitter after Grobler turned Chiefs defence upside down.
Simphiwe Tshabalala continued to ochestrates moves in the middle of the park and his shot was blocked by Supersport goalkeeper Williams.
The game went to interval chiefs still in the lead.
Former Pirates striker Zuma was unable to continue with the game after suffering and injury and this forced Supersport to play with 10 men as they already reached their subsitutes limits.
Chiefs brought in Ngcobo for Majoro.
Supersport tried to manipulated their way in Chiefs 18 area after Zvasiya adjudged after he brought Grobler down.
It was a catfight in the 18 area and it was cleared by Chiefs chattering defence.
“We dedicate all trophies to our unwavering support we received from our supporters. They stood by us since day one and we deserve to be double champions” Chiefs captain Itumeleng Khune said.
Bafana duo Itumeleng Khune and Tshepo Masilela received a yellow cards for time wasting.
Supersport received a free kick just few metres outside Chiefs 18 yard and Williams took a thunderbolt shot that was easily dealt with by Khune.
“I am delighted and players were so brilliant and is because of their commitment and hardwork displayed by them. Superport were difficult customers to deal with, but my boys did it” Stuat Baxter said.
Letsholonyane received yellow card for time wasting in referee’s additional minutes.
Supersport goalkeeper Williams abandoned his poles and played as an in-field player.
Kaizer Chiefs depicted their name on prestigious Nedbank trophy after a referee blew game over.
“We were supposed to be 3-0 before they scored. We did not take our chances and Chiefs did” Supersport Gaivn Hunt said.
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