Kaizer Chiefs Beat Polokwane City 1-0 Thanks to Ndlovu’s Late Heroics

Rethabile Nyelele14 August , 2025

3 2 minutes read

Kaizer Chiefs Beat Polokwane City 1-0 Thanks to Ndlovu’s Late Heroics — Image: Kaizer Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs left it late but secured a hard-fought 1–0 win over Polokwane City at FNB Stadium on Wednesday evening. This was thanks to Siphesihle Ndlovu’s decisive strike. The goal maintained Amakhosi’s perfect start to the Betway Premiership season. Importantly, it ended a frustrating run of goalless league meetings with City on home soil.

Breaking the FNB Stadium Hoodoo

Before kick-off, Chiefs had failed to score in three consecutive league clashes against Polokwane City at FNB Stadium. For much of the night, it seemed that record would continue. However, in the 79th minute, new signing Ndlovu, introduced from the bench, found himself in the right place at the right time. He rifled the ball past City goalkeeper Brian Bwire to seal all three points.

The result means Chiefs have now opened the campaign with two consecutive wins, matching last season’s start. This time, however, the club will be determined to turn early momentum into a sustained title challenge.

Team Changes and Tactical Adjustments

Head coach Nasreddine Nabi made two changes from the side that beat Stellenbosch in the season opener. Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, despite netting against Stellies, started on the bench. Meanwhile, forward Naledi Hlongwane was omitted entirely from the matchday squad.

Sibongiseni Mthethwa slotted into midfield, and Gaston Sirino earned his first start of the season. The tactical tweaks reflected Chiefs’ intent to dominate possession and unlock City’s compact defensive setup.

Polokwane City Threaten Early

While Chiefs enjoyed territorial advantage, Polokwane City looked more threatening in the opening exchanges. In the fifth minute, a defensive lapse from Amakhosi allowed Bonginkosi Dlamini a shot on goal. However, goalkeeper Brandon Peterson was alert to the danger.

Peterson was kept busy, palming away Mokibelo Ramadu’s free kick. Additionally, he tipped over a powerful long-range strike from midfielder Manuel Kambala.

It took until the 28th minute for Chiefs to register a meaningful attempt. However, Brian Bwire dived low to deny Glody Lilepo. The Congolese forward came even closer 11 minutes later. His header from a Sirino corner crashed against the crossbar.

A Tight Second Half

Ngcobo was introduced after the break in a bid to spark more creativity. But the match descended into a scrappy, cagey battle. Chances were few and far between. Lilepo again tested Bwire on the hour mark, though the City shot-stopper collected at the second attempt.

Polokwane City, marshalled well by coach Phuti Mohafe’s defensive unit, seemed content to frustrate the hosts and snatch a point.

Impact from the Bench

Nabi turned to his substitutes in search of a breakthrough. He brought on Pule Mmodi back from suspension, along with Ndlovu and Reeve Frosler. The trio would combine to devastating effect in the decisive moment.

In the 79th minute, Mmodi’s searching ball to the far post picked out Frosler. His cross into the box was partially cleared. The rebound fell to Frosler again. He teed up Ndlovu, who unleashed a low drive into the corner. This sparked jubilant celebrations among the Chiefs faithful.

A Statement of Intent

The win may not have been the most fluent display from Amakhosi. However, grinding out results in tight matches is often a hallmark of title contenders. With six points from their opening two fixtures, Chiefs have made a strong statement in the early stages of the season.

The challenge now is to build on this perfect start and sustain momentum in a league campaign. Consistency will be key. Next up for the Glamour Boys is another stern test. Fans will be eager to see if Ndlovu’s heroics can inspire more late drama, only this time, perhaps, without leaving it quite so late.