Chiefs stutter to draw

Amakhosi and Wits start in grand style with quick goals but fans then disappointed as the magic disappears, writes Kgomotso Mokoena at Mbombela Stadium

Bidvest Wits (1) 1 - Kaizer Chiefs (1) 1

WHAT started out with thunder and lightning ended up a damp squib with both teams failing to capitalise on a bright start in this Absa Premiership match last night.

When Bernard Parker stroked the ball into the net in the second minute and Wits equalised six minutes later, fans were rubbing their hands in glee expecting a glut of goals - but it was not to be as both clubs retreated to their shells.

Chiefs failed to take advantage of log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns' 2-2 draw against Moroka Swallows on Friday night, which would have reduced the Brazilians' lead at the top to one point.

In what is a rare occurrence in the PSL these days, Chiefs fans filled the stadium to capacity creating an electrifying atmosphere.

But the fans needs to be educated about punctuality. Kick-off had to be delayed by 10 minutes as thousands of late spectators pushed and shoved each other at the turnstiles. Traffic stretched for kilometers as traffic officers stood by helplessly.

The match started at a blistering pace, with Chiefs showing they were in a fighting mood when they jumped at the throats of their opponents from the kick-off.

By the second minute, Chiefs had already created two scoring chances - one of which resulted in the opening goal. George Lebese was given ample space on the left and he whipped in tantalising crosses for his teammates.

His second-minute cross was met by Parker, who rolled the ball home. Most Chiefs fans would have missed the goal as they were still making their way inside.

Chiefs hard man Tenashe Nemgomasha returned after serving a suspension and he added steel and bite in the Chiefs midfield. It was coach Vladimir Vermezovic's only change from the starting line-up that tortured Moroka Swallows last week.

Wits' Roger de Sa, a nonconformist coach, had three bad boys of SA soccer, Masibusane Zongo, Emile Baron and Mbulelo "OJ" Mabizela, in his starting lineup. He seems to know to how to get the best of such players.

With Baron slowly getting back to his best, Zongo was outstanding until he was injured and was pulled off midway through the first half. This was a blow as De Sa had planned the match around the left-footed midfielder.

Chiefs then went to sleep and Wits equalised when Sifiso Vilakazi tapped in following a goalmouth scramble. The goal was a result of some good work on the right by Katlego Pule.

Chiefs pushed forward to regain their lead and in the 20th minute, Lebese turned Sipho Mngomezulu inside out but fired straight at goalkeeper Emile Baron.

Wits were not to be outdone and Vilakazi was again in the thick of things when he missed a sitter from a Pule pass.

Chiefs ended the first half the stronger but Wits regrouped after the change. They were eager to silence the crowd and Sibusiso Vilakazi and substitute Daylon Appolis threatened.

Vilakazi's volley in the 88th minute was well-saved by Arthur Bartman.

The match between Lamontville Golden Arrows and Black Leopards, scheduled at the King Zwelithini Stadium yesterday, was called of for security reasons.

The players had to leave the field four minutes into the match due to tear gas, which was used near the stadium at a political meeting that had turned ugly forcing the police to intervene.