Kaizer Chiefs handed hapless Ajax Cape Town a 3-0 drubbing in their Absa Premiership fixture at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane last night to go into the big Soweto derby on Saturday with renewed confidence.
Bernard Parker returned to scoring form - after a spell of six matches without a goal - by netting the opener for Amakhosi in the 36th minute.
Although it took a bit of a deflection from Ajax defender Matthew Booth, it was a well-taken strike, with Parker aware that goalkeeper Sander Westerveld was off his line. Siboniso Gaxa scored the second - his first of the season.
Siphiwe Tshabalala turned the encounter into a virtual no-contest when he struck the third after spotting Westerveld, a former Liverpool goalkeeper, off his line .
By securing this important victory, Chiefs are now four points clear of their nearest rivals, Orlando Pirates, who could narrow the gap to one point by beating Chippa United tonight before the two Soweto giants clash at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
Last night, Chiefs were all over Ajax from the opening minutes.
It was clear from the onset that Stuart Baxter's men had put their 2-0 defeat at the hands of Platinum Stars a fortnight ago in Rustenburg behind them.
Amakhosi were keen to right their wrongs, forcing one save after another from Westerveld.
Reneilwe Letsholonyane, returning from suspension, saw his attempt pushed back into play by the Dutchman.
Striker Kingston Nkhatha tried to score with a diving header but Booth was there to hoof the ball to safety.
Ajax were only a threat when they took corner kicks.
Booth used his height as an advantage, but none of its efforts came to fruition.
He came close in both halves with a towering header, but Chiefs keeper Itumeleng Khune was perpetually alert.
Ajax could have also taken the lead in the 33rd minute when Khama Billiat beat defenders Tefu Mashamaite and Eric Mathoho. But Khune was again up to the task, parrying the shot for a corner kick.
Ajax are now 13th on the log. It is a position that interim coach Jan Pruijn hates to be in, especially with Jan Versleijen - who has assumed the role of technical director - indicating he is ready to take charge.
Musa Bilankulu and Mxolisi Macuphu struck in each half to give Lamontville Golden Arrows a 2-0 win over struggling Moroka Swallows at King Zwelithini Stadium.
Thabo September scored a late own goal as SuperSport United drew 1-1 with Bloemfontein Celtic at Lucas Moripe Stadium. United's goal was scored by Ashley Hartog in the 65th minute.
Platinum Stars continued their fine form when they beat the high-flying Maritzburg United 1-0 at Harry Gwala Stadium, thanks to a first-half goal by Innocent Mkhabela.
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