by Staff Reporter

Friday Jul 13, 2018. 13:00

Kaizer Chiefs will be hoping to start their 2018/19 season on a postive note when they take on Buya Msutjuhu in a Bokone Bophirima Maize Cup semifinal at the James Motlatsi Stadium on Saturday morning.

The match will get underway at 10:00 (CAT).

Amakhosi made their debut at the pre-season tournament last year and managed to do well under the guidance of ex-coach Steve Komphela.

In their opening match, they faced Botswana’s Township Rollers in the semi-finals and secured a 2-0 win.

As they looked to bag their maiden trophy, Chiefs met Free State Stars whom they overcame via a 1-0 scoreline in the final.

Heading to this year’s competition, the Soweto giants are hoping to lift their second trophy, but will first meet the ABC Motsepe League side.

Under the guidance of interim coach Patrick Mabedi, Chiefs will hope to get a scoop on their opponents from their new recruit Lethlogonolo Mirwa who was signed last month from Msuthu.

"It’s great to be back in full training with the guys and I am looking forward to the Maize Cup,” said midfielder Kabelo Mahlasela.

"I will be ready and give it my best, if I am given an opportunity to play in our game against Buya Msuthu.

"I want to repay the Kaizer Chiefs supporters and the club’s management for all the support they have given me over the last few months.

“It was hard, but everybody stood behind me, including our supporters whose backing was such a moral boost. It’s now up to me to repay all those people with my performances on the field."

Msuthu, on the other hand, will look to cause an upset on the day as they will meet the defending champions for the first time.

Msuthu are making their debut at the competition and will be chasing a spot in the final where they will meet either Ea Lla Koto or the Chippa United.

Former Jomo Cosmos and Chilli Boys midfielder Conrad Madolo will want to lead the youngsters using his experience in the top flight.

The 33-year-old veteran, who can play on the flanks or as an attacking midfielder, will be key for the Msuthu as they want to shock the Soweto giants.

by Staff Reporter

Saturday Jul 14, 2018. 12:03

Kaizer Chiefs beat Buya Msuthu 2-0 to reach the final of the 2018 Bokone Bophirima Maize Cup on Saturday morning at James Motlatsi Stadium.

Two goals courtesy of Bernard Parker and Yusuf Bunting ensured Amakhosi bagged a win in the first semifinal of the pre-season tournament.

It was Buya Msuthu who had a glorious opportunity in the sixth minute as they entered Chiefs’ penalty area, but a cross from Alucious Wagaba went across Itumeleng Khune's goal.

In an aim to create their chances, Chiefs started to come out of the blocks towards the 10th minute and Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya delivered a great cross to find Ryan Moon, whose header went over the crossbar.

However, they made it 1-0 in the 16th minute through Parker after a brilliant pass from Siphiwe Tshabalala on the right wing.

As they kept probing, Msuthu were awarded a set piece four minutes later, but Pule Nonyane’s effort could not produce a save from Khune, sailing wide.

It was 1-0 to Chiefs at half time.

After 10 minutes into the second half, the Soweto giants were nearly caught napping at the back as Simphiwe Ndlovu could not capitalise, as his effort sailed wide of Khune's right corner.

Chiefs looked for a second goal and Tshabalala would see his set piece going inches wide of Sabelo Nkomo’s left post from range in the 76th minute.

Resulting from perseverance, Bunting managed to double their lead in the 83rd minute after showing composure to beat Nkomo with a clever chip.

Amakhosi held on to their lead and will now face the winner between Free State Stars and Chippa United who will meet at 12:00 (CAT).

Kaizer Chiefs (1) 2 (Parker 16’, Bunting 83’)
Buya Msuthu 0

Kaizer Chiefs: Khune, Ngezana, Mphahlele, Thibedi, Malope (Cardoso 90’), Ekstein, Ntiya-Ntiya, Jayiya, Tshabalala, Parker, Moon (Bunting 63’)

Buya Msuthu: Nkomo, Hlongwane, Thomo, Marakane, Nonyane, Madolo, Masoko, Sibanda, Wagaba, Ndlovu, Lentswe