Chiefs outsmarted by the Clever Boys

24 August 2016 - 09:28 By KHANYISO TSHWAKU

Kaizer Chiefs got their league campaign off to the worst possible start as they slid to a 2-1 defeat to Bidvest Wits at Bidvest Stadium in Johannesburg last night.Goals by Elias Pelembe and Thulani Hlatshwayo either side of halftime gave the hosts an advantage they did not relinquish.Daine Klate's pace and wizardry was too much to handle and it came as no surprise when the opening goal of the game in the 34th minute was from his side of the field.Klate whipped in a cross that Pelembe neatly placed out of Itumeleng Khune's reach.Khune was kept busy for most of the first half by Malawian forward Hellings "Gabadinho" Mhango, who eluded the attentions of Ramahlwe Mphahlele and Lorenzo Gordinho.While the duo have the making of a decent combination in Erick Mathoho's injury-enforced absence, Mhango's electric pace kept them on their toes while also dealing with the menacing figure that was Eleazar Rodgers.Mhango had the first two chances in the fifth minute - one was saved by Khune and the other was flagged for offside.For all their midfield industry engineered by Willard Katsande, the visitors only had one chance through Katsande's 19th minute freekick that was easily palmed away by Moeneeb Josephs.Wits doubled their lead in the 65th minute when captain Hlatshwayo powered home Klate's corner from near the penalty spot.The fact that Chiefs conceded a headed goal from such a distance highlighted their poor defence.This is something coach Steve Komphela needs to fix and very quickly or it could be a long season for the Glamour Boys.Chiefs pulled one back in the 82nd minute when Gordinho nodded home William Twala's freekick but Wits had the mettle to see out a deserved win.In other games last night, Chippa United beat Free State Stars 2-1 at home in Port Elizabeth as Cape Town City - formerly Mpumalanga Black Aces - got off to a great start with a 2-0 victory over Polokwane City in Cape Town.PSL rookies Baroka FC got a point off Ajax Cape Town when the teams drew 1-1 at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, Limpopo...

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