Chiefs back to winning ways, Birds keep losing

Kaizer Chiefs won only their second league game of the year but three valuable points away at Moroka Swallows in a 3-0 victory last night keep them eight points clear at the head of the standings.

An own goal in the first half followed by two late efforts take Chiefs to 54 points and closer to the title, while Swallows remain in second last place.

The opening goal came after 22 minutes as Swallows centre back Larry Cohen headed into his own net from a corner kick.

Two goals in a two-minute spell near the end confirmed the visitors' dominance.

Both came on the counter-attack as Swallows, having made all their changes, were down to 10 men after a serious injury to captain Luvhengo Mungomeni.

George Lebese was put through by Bernard Parker and executed a splendid left-footed chip over the on-rushing Greg Etafia to make it 2-0 in the 84th minute. This was followed shortly thereafter by Parker slamming the ball home from close range.

• Tshepang Mailwane reports from Orlando Stadium that Orlando Pirates were made to dig deep for their 2-1 win over Mpumalanga Aces last night.

Bucs stretched their unbeaten run in the league to 11 matches under Eric Tinkler.

Captain Oupa Manyisa scored from the spot on the stroke of halftime. Thabo Rakhale produced a moment of brilliance in the second period to score his first goal for the club.

Tendai Ndoro pulled one back for Aces from the spot after Thabo Matlaba brought down Aubrey Ngoma in the box 15 minutes from time. Bucs are in third place on 43 points. Aces remain 11th on 26 points.

• Mazola Molefe reports from Loftus Stadium in Pretoria that Mamelodi Sundowns brushed aside Chippa United with a 3-0 win last night.

Sundowns took the lead when striker Cuthbert Malajila sent through a low cross into the danger zone, only for Chippa defender Mbhuyiselo Sambu to score an own goal in the third minute of the game.

Siyanda Zwane surged forward, only to be hacked by Manti Moholo. Referee Thando Ndandzeka pointed to the spot and midfielder Teko Modise converted (47th minute) .

Sundowns added to their tally through substitute Rodney Ramagalela (90th minute).