Result: Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 Orlando Pirates
Bernard Parker’s early strike made sure that Kaizer Chiefs to be crowned the Carling Black Champions as they crushed Orlando Pirates in their Soweto Derby pre-season tie.
Chiefs threatened early on and went agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock in the sixth minute as Lorenzo Gordinho’s header crashed against the crossbar.
The AmaKhosi were not to be denied three minutes later as Gustavo Paez picked out Bernard Parker, who fired home at the near post.
Steve Komphela’s charges continued to threaten for most of the opening 30 minutes, as Paez and Parker proved tough to handle for the Pirates defence.
Pirates, on the other hand, struggled to maintain possession of the ball and spent most of the half chasing the ball.
Chiefs shot-stopper, Itumeleng Khune had a relatively quiet opening 45 minutes, while they nearly doubled their lead on the stroke of halftime as George Maluleka’s low strike crashed against the upright.
Five minutes into the second half, Ryan Moon replaced Joseph Molangoane, while Thamsanqa Sangweni replaced Issa Sarr
Kjell Jonevret made another two changes after 60 minutes, as Musa Nyatama and Thabiso Kutumela were introduced.
Pirates started enjoying more of the possession as the second half went on, and managed to carve out a couple half chances.
Itumeleng Khune came to Chiefs’ rescue in the 79th minute, as he pulled off a superb to deny Benard Morrison from the edge of the box.
Komphela introduced Daniel Cardoso and Khotso Malope for the closing stages of the encounter as they held on for the victory.
Here’s how they lined up:
Chiefs XI: Khune,; Mphahlele, Mathoho, Gordinho, Masilela; Ekstein, Katsande, Maluleka, Molangoane; Parker, Páez.
Pirates XI: Mpontshane, Matlaba, Jele, Gcaba, Phungwayo, Makola, Manyisa, Sarr, Memela, Gabuza, Ndoro.