KAIZER Chiefs kept a slim hope of defending their Absa Premiership title alive following the 1-0 win over Bidvest Wits at Milpark’s Bidvest Stadium last night.
The victory has moved them to third spot tied with second placed Mpumalanga Black Aces on 35 points.
Amakhosi are now seven points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns who have a game in.
Wits came into the match eager to end the hoodoo that Amakhosi hold over them as they had never beaten Chiefs since the 2002-03 season. The second placed Students were hoping to cut Downs lead by half as they are six points behind them. But it was never meant to be as Maluleka shattered their hopes, while Amakhosi keeper Reyaad Pieterse made crucial saves to ensure his side collect three points.
Wits coach Gavin Hunt had to reshuffle his side having been hit by injuries to key players like Pappy Faty, Vincent Pule, Onismor Bhasera, Nazeer Allie and Phumlani Ntshangase who is suspended. Wits were boosted by the return of midfielder Ben Motshwari who missed their last league clash against Golden Arrows at the weekend due to suspension.
His counterpart, Steve Komphela brought in defender Kgotso Moleko to fill the void left by the suspended Tshepo Masilela.
Wits dominated the first half and created better scoring chances than Amakhosi, but the home side lacked composure in front of goal with winger Phakamani Mahlambi being the main culprit.
Chiefs had a rare opportunity to grab the lead in the 25th minutes when midfielder Siphiwe Tshabalala unleashed a powerful shot that was blocked by Wits defender Bongani Khumalo to concede a corner.
Referee Victor Gomes stole the limelight on the half-hour mark when he sent Wits assistant coach Paul Johnstone for an early shower for arguing with him. The setback never dampened the spirit of Wits players who continued to pile pressure on Amakhosi in search of the opener. Pieterse denied Wits midfielder Patrick Sekese a cushion at halftime when he saved his thunderous shot in the 40th minute.
Gomes made a controversial decision when he denied Wits a penalty in the 55th minutes after Moleko had fouled Mahlambi. Chiefs midfielder George Maluleka broke the ice in the 58th minutes when his curling free kick gave keeper Moeneeb Josephs no chance.
Komphela closed shop in the 73rd minute when he brought in defender Morgan Gould for striker Camaldine Abraw to protect their lead. The game was halted in the 80th minutes when a Student protestor ran into the pitch carrying a fees must fall banner giving a security personnel a tough time to remove her.
