Chiefs widen gap

It was not as easy as picking fruit from a tree but Kaizer Chiefs maintained their unbeaten record with a 2-0 win over Golden Arrows at FNB Stadium, outside Soweto, last night.

Amakhosi have now pulled away by three points from nearest title rivals Mamelodi Sundowns ahead of Saturday's potential Absa Premiership league decider.

At Orlando Stadium, former Orlando Pirates star Thulasizwe "Juju" Mbuyane produced the goal that helped Mpumalanga Aces sink his old team - 1-0.

Chiefs, the reigning league champions, have a game in hand and remain undefeated in 11 matches in their own backyard this season.

But they made heavy weather of getting the three points against basement dwellers Arrows, fluffing many chances in the first half.

The two sides went into the break goalless. But the reaction to coach Stuart Baxter's pep talk at halftime was instant.

He made an immediate substitution as Chiefs emerged from the tunnel, bringing on George Lebese in place of the ineffective Siyabonga Nkosi.

In the 52nd minute, the log leaders took the lead through towering defender Mulomowandau Mathoho when he headed home following a set-piece from stand-in skipper Siphiwe Tshabalala.

Kingston Nkhatha also got his name on the score sheet when he was released into the Arrows' box by leftback Tsepo Masilela in the 69th minute.

The striker's attempt looked a tame effort, but it took a slight deflection and beat goalie Arthur Bartman, a former Amakhosi player, for Chiefs' second.

Chiefs, buoyed by this victory, welcome Sundowns to their fortress on Saturday night. Another win could send them well on their way to a successive title.

In Orlando, Aces worked their socks off for a deserved victory against Pirates. Clive Barker's team went into fifth place and are level with Bucs on 37 points.

But Aces have played one game more than Pirates who remain in fourth on goal difference.

Siyabonga Sangweni made a return from long-term injury, starting ahead of Lucky Lekgwathi as Pirates' captain.

Goalkeeper Fatau Dauda and rightback Ntsikelelo Nyauza came in for the suspended Senzo Meyiwa and Happy Jele respectively.

Tendai Ndoro, who was causing problems for Bucs, hit the left upright in the 13th minute, beating Dauda to Onyekachi Okonkwo's pass across the area.

Bucs' best chance was in the 74th minute when Tlou Segolela beat a defender and fed Sifiso Myeni on the left edge of the area.

Myeni's powerful shot forced a good save from Aces 'keeper Jackson Mabokgwane.

In the 80th minute, Mbuyane's free-kick - a low shot - from the left of the 18 area skidded through a crowded area and sneaked inside Dauda's left upright.

• Maritzburg United's came from a goal down to trounce Supersport United 3-1 at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, in Atteridgeville, Pretoria, last night.

Heinrich Isaacks, David Booysen and Terrance Mandaza were on the scoresheet.

Bradley Grobler had opened the scoring for Matsatsantsa.