Chiefs hot on the heels of Sundowns after Orbit victory

Kaizer Chiefs are now hot on the heels of log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns after securing a crucial victory over Orbit College FC, bringing the Soweto giants level on points in the Betway Premiership title race.

The Soweto giants clinched a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Orbit College FC in their Betway Premiership clash at FNB Stadium on Tuesday night in Soweto.

The crucial win, secured by a brace from Mduduzi Shabalala and sublime strikes from Mfundo Vilakazi and Flavio Silva, propelled the Soweto giants into second place, now level on 22 points with the log-leading Brazilians (who maintain the advantage on goal difference).

Chiefs’ Blitz Start Met by Orbit Resilience

Chiefs started the match with intent, rewarding their fans almost immediately in the 4th minute. It was a perfect passage of play down the right flank as Thabiso Monyane raced past his marker before delivering a low cross that found Mduduzi Shabalala at the near post, who made no mistake to open the scoring.

The early goal signalled a period of intense pressure from Amakhosi, with striker Etiosa Ighodaro going close moments later, seeing his header sail just over the bar. However, as the first half progressed, Orbit College settled into the game. The visitors, often referred to as the Mswenko Boys, found their rhythm and started seeing more of the ball. Their best chance came via Given Thibedi, whose powerful low shot from outside the area forced a sharp save from Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen. Orbit finished the first half positively, but despite their forward momentum and half-chances, they went into the break trailing 1-0.

Vilakazi Strike Seals the Drama

Chiefs emerged from the tunnel for the second half determined to put the game to bed quickly. Ighodaro, Mfundo Vilakazi, and Monyane all tested the Orbit defence in the opening five minutes of the second stanza, but it was Shabalala who finally doubled the advantage.

In the 60th minute, the young midfielder secured his brace, tapping in from close range to put Chiefs firmly in control at 2-0.

However, the game threatened to swing when Orbit mounted an immediate response. Just ten minutes later (70′), Orbit reduced the deficit as Ayanda Lukhele rose highest to power home a towering header, giving the visitors a glimmer of hope at 2-1.

That hope was short-lived. Chiefs’ young prodigy, Mfundo Vilakazi, restored the two-goal cushion almost instantaneously in the 72nd minute, curling a magnificent strike into the top corner to make the score 3-1, effectively extinguishing Orbit’s comeback.

Petersen Heroics and Late Goals

With the result largely secured, the focus shifted to the quality of the Chiefs’ defence. Goalkeeper Brandon Petersen ensured the scoreline remained favourable by pulling off a fantastic treble save shortly after Vilakazi’s goal, denying Orbit any further chance to narrow the margin.

In the late stages of the game, Chiefs continued to push for a fourth. While Gaston Sirino and Flavio Silva missed earlier opportunities, the latter finally found the back of the net in the 90th minute to wrap up the scoring at 4-1.

The victory ensures Chiefs record crucial back-to-back wins, launching them up the table. They now sit in second place with 22 points from 11 games, drawing level with Sundowns, who hold onto the top spot purely by virtue of a superior goal difference. The league race is officially on.

What do you think about the pressure Chiefs are now placing on Sundowns at the top of the table?