Kaizer Chiefs Remain Unbeaten: How Amakhosi Outclassed Golden Arrows to Claim Three Points
Kaizer Chiefs continued their steady run of form in the Betway Premiership after edging Golden Arrows 1-0 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday night. The narrow victory was enough to maintain Amakhosi’s unbeaten streak, with substitute Flavio Silva stepping up as the difference-maker.
Kaizer Chiefs Struggle in First Half
The match opened with Chiefs struggling to stamp their authority. Despite dominating possession for long periods, clear-cut opportunities were scarce. Golden Arrows held firm at the back and looked organised in transition, frustrating the visitors.
Head coach Nasreddine Nabi admitted his side lacked intensity in the opening 45 minutes. “I think in the first half we didn’t create too many opportunities to score; we didn’t have chances,” he told SuperSport TV.
With the players looking deflated, Nabi used the half-time break to motivate his squad. “I observed that the mood was down in the dressing room, and I told them not to worry, more focus, more demand. And I need them to improve, more passion and you will score,” he explained.
Tactical Changes Prove Decisive
Although Chiefs were sluggish at the start of the second half, Nabi pointed out that fatigue from their midweek clash against Mamelodi Sundowns was evident, the Tunisian coach’s substitutions shifted the momentum.
Silva, along with Gaston Sirino and young Mfundo Vilakazi, was introduced to inject energy and creativity. The move paid dividends as Chiefs began to stretch the Arrows defence. Their pressing improved, while Silva offered a direct threat in the final third.
“The three substitutes gave the team more, and remember before the game I said it’s a very difficult game,” Nabi added. “It was a very difficult game, and I’m very happy for all the staff, and I’m happy for the three points.”
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Silva’s Moment of Magic
The deadlock was broken in the second half when Silva capitalised on his chance, calmly slotting home the winner. His goal underlined the value of squad depth, with Chiefs’ new-look frontline proving pivotal in the later stages.
For Silva, it was a significant strike, further cementing his role as a key option in Nabi’s plans. The goal also eased the pressure on Chiefs, who had been pushing hard to convert possession into results.
Resilient Arrows Fall Short
Golden Arrows, nicknamed Abafana Bes’thende, were not without their moments. They threatened sporadically on the counter-attack but struggled to test Chiefs goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma consistently. The Durban-based side’s compact defensive approach kept them in the game for long spells, but they were eventually undone by Silva’s strike.
Despite the loss, Arrows showed resilience and discipline, qualities they will rely on as the season progresses.
Nabi’s Growing Influence
The victory highlights Nabi’s growing impact at Chiefs. His in-game management and bold substitutions are starting to bear fruit, with the team showing resilience under pressure. By demanding more passion and focus, the Tunisian tactician is slowly instilling a winning mentality at Naturena.
While Chiefs are far from their polished best, the ability to grind out results like this will be crucial in their pursuit of silverware this season.
Big Clash Awaits After Break
The win keeps Chiefs firmly in the top half of the table and sets up a mouthwatering home fixture against Sekhukhune United on Saturday, 16 September, after the international break. With both sides eyeing the top spot, it promises to be a fiery contest.
For Amakhosi, momentum and confidence are slowly building. The challenge now is consistency, as Nabi looks to mould his team into genuine title contenders.
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