Tag Archives: sports

Cometh the hour, cometh Pat Lambie

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Khanyiso Tshwaku | 2017-05-05 07:41:41.0

Pat Lambie’s timing in terms of returning to action could not have been more immaculate. File photo
Image by: MARK NOLAN/GETTY IMAGES

With Curwin Bosch’s talents being required by the under-20s, Pat Lambie’s timing in terms of returning to action could not have been more immaculate.

Having missed the bulk of the Super Rugby campaign with a vertebra injury, the Springbok utility back will start on the bench in tomorrow’s clash against the Force at Kings Park Stadium in Durban.

Coach Robert du Preez’s relief was palpable, especially after the Sharks survived a bruising encounter against the Jaguares in Buenos Aires last Saturday.

Bosch will be absent from next week onwards as the under-20s gear up for their age-group World Cup, where the prodigiously talented playmaker will be required to lift Chean Roux’s side to greater heights.

“It’s great to have Patrick back, especially with the fact that Curwin is not going to be available to us,” Du Preez said.

“We were a little bit concerned Patrick wouldn’t be coming back in time because of Curwin’s departure but it’s worked out very well. We would have wanted to give him some decent game time, but it’s fine.

“He’s in great spirits and he’s looking great.”

Blockbusting flanker Philip van der Walt retains the captaincy after his abrasive showing in South America, with winger Sibusiso Nkosi set to make his debut in place of the rested Lwazi Mvovo.

It would be easy to say the Sharks are fielding a weakened team but the Force cannot be underestimated. Ruan Botha swaps with Stephan Lewies, while Odwa Ndungane makes way for Kobus van Wyk.

The last thing Du Preez wants is a scrap similar to the one the Sharks found themselves in against the Rebels two weeks ago when they drew 9-all.

Du Preez said they wanted to repay their fans for wasting their money on that weekend.

“We were disappointed after the Rebels and we asked for a big performance against the Jaguares and the boys did exactly that.

“We’ve certainly learnt the hard way that there aren’t any easy games in this competition and we’ve always said that.

“We’ll take one game at a time and we’ve got the Force to contend with this weekend. That’s our focus and we owe our fans a big one,” Du Preez said.

Benni McCarthy drops bombshell, says he also doesn’t know why Bafana still do not have a coach

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Mahlatse Mphahlele | 2017-05-02 17:38:56.0

Sponsers, Kaizer Motaung Jnr,Benni McCarthy, Orlando Pirates head coach Kjell Jonevret and his counterpart Steve Komphela together with club captain Ramahlwe Mphahlele and Oupa Manyisa during the Carling Black Label Champion Cup launch at Park Station on May 02, 2017 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Image by: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images

South African Football Association (Safa) technical committee member Benni McCarthy dropped a bombshell on Tuesday and revealed he is as much in the dark as the rest of the country in regards to the search for a new Bafana Bafana coach.

McCarthy’s revelation will come as a huge shock to millions of South Africans as the former Bafana Bafana striker is supposed to be a member of a team that was tasked with finding the new man.

“I thought I was part of a group that was doing good to find the new coach for Bafana but I simply just don’t know what has happened‚” a candid McCarthy said on Tuesday.

“What has stalled the process and this situation is a major bummer.

“There were good candidates and I was expecting that by now there would be a coach.

“But clearly there is a hold up somewhere which I don’t have any knowledge of what is the reason behind it.

“I am in the same boat as you guys in the media.

“It’s unfortunate that everything has come to a standstill and I don’t know what is going on.”

Bafana have been been without a coach since Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba’s sacking in December last year.

The new coach will have to hit the ground running as Bafana have a daunting away African Nations Cup qualifier against Nigeria next month.

“It is a major setback that we have a huge match against Nigeria in a few weeks time and we don’t have a coach‚” the revered former Orlando Pirates and Porto player said.

“There is uncertainty because we don’t know if (caretaker coach) Owen Da Gama is going to take the team forward or there is going to be a new coach by that time Bafana play (next month’s qualifier).

“It is very confusing for the players because they were expecting the new coach to be watching them by now.

“We are in the back end of the season where many teams are fighting to win the league.

“Some are fighting for top eight and some are trying to avoid relegation and there is no coach watching all these interesting matches.

“To be honest‚ this is a major bummer and I just hope that it gets resolved as soon as possible.

“I am a South African and I want to see my national team do well which is something that they have not done in a while.

“Since we hosted the World Cup in 2010‚ we have not qualified for anything important.

“I want things to be resolved so that we have a coach in place to allow him to get down to business‚ start to watch the players‚ put his team together and come up with a plan for helping us to qualify for Russia.

“We wanted someone who was going to bring change to the national team and invest in the youth by ensuring that the Under17 boys graduate through the levels to the senior national team and have continuation of players just like I did.”

Several names have been linked to the job but Safa does not appear to be any closer to ending the long-running debacle.

 – TMG Digital/TMG Sport

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Komphela defends his players and says he’s willing to accept responsibility for Chiefs’ failures

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Njabulo Ngidi | 2017-05-01 13:51:57.0

Steve Komphela speaks to the players during the Absa Premiership match between SuperSport United and Kaizer Chiefs at Mbombela Stadium on April 29, 2017 in Nelspruit, South Africa.
Image by: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images

After another lapse in concentration in the final moments of a match‚ costing Kaizer Chiefs’ valuable points‚ coach Steve Komphela refused to blame the players but instead argued he should take responsibility for the club’s shortcomings.

Chiefs’ 2-2 draw with SuperSport United at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday felt like a loss after the club conceded in the final minute of a match they looked destined to win.

It was similar to how they lost 3-2 to Cape Town City‚ conceding late in the match to lose ground on the Absa Premiership race.

The draw with Matsatsantsa a Pitori effectively ruled out Chiefs and SuperSport in the fight for the championship.

“I must take the responsibility to be honest‚” Komphela said.

“Without shielding anybody‚ who else can you blame? They gave it their best. The energy was there and they got into scoring opportunities.

“Maybe one thing that we can improve‚ we need to concentrate more and not give away easy goals. Maybe we need to work on our concentration at the back. Command better and be more compact.

“We shouldn’t allow these lone wolfs (to hurt us). You go back to (Mxolisi) Kunene’s goal (in the 2-2 draw with Baroka.

“The guy took a ball in the midfield‚ he ran and ran‚ took a shot‚ it deflected off (Daniel) Cardoso and went in. Look at the Cape Town City match‚ the (Aubrey) Ngoma goal is the same.

“Even the (Aubrey) Modiba one (against SuperSport) is the same. Do you blame anyone? I have to be honest‚ I can’t blame anyone. We have to concentrate more.”

The draw with SuperSport means that Chiefs have won just one game in their clashes with the other four teams who are vying for the championship.

It’s a sad indictment on the club’s title credentials‚ lacking the mental strength that a league winner needs.

But Komphela argued that it’s not that black and white.

The coach said that they weren’t outplayed in these matches but let it slip by not taking their chances and conceding late.

That explanation exposes why Chiefs don’t deserve the league rather than defend the club.

Ultimately Komphela will be judged on the result‚ not how they played and how long the club was in the match.

“We are all in the radar of judgement‚” Komphela said.

“You can’t fault the people for judging you because points of references are there. But there are certain things that you look at‚ that inasmuch as that‚ but this.

“Accept it. Take it. You don’t have a choice. Is there anything different based on their judgement? No. Is there anything you can do? Yes.”

– TMG Digital/TMG Sport

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Pirates sneak into top eight with victory over fellow strugglers Chippa

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Thamsanqa Gabuza’s 29th minute strike for Bucs at Orlando Stadium preceded Paseka Mako’s goal on the stroke of half time before Thabo Matlaba’s strike from range went in off Chippa goalkeeper Zama Dlamini in the 65th.

Chippa were reduced to 10 men when Thamsanqa Sangweni earned a second booking for handling, believing he had been fouled, before referee Victor Hlungwane’s whistle had stopped play.

Bucs finally broke into the top eight – in eighth, above Golden Arrows on goal difference.

If they want to progress any higher, they will need to win more consistently, and to do that they need to play more convincingly.

But slowly, perhaps, they are getting there. Still the structure leaves much to be desired. Some big stars seem to be resting on reputation. Bucs still concede in critical phases.

But the results under Kjell Jonevret – just one defeat in 11 league and cup games – hold promise even if the Swede has notably gained grey hairs.

Chippa caretaker Mbuyiselo Sambu had a tough start. Facing Pirates away in his first match since coach Dan Malesela was placed on leave pending a dismissal this week was tough enough, then Pentjie Zulu limped off in the seventh minute, replaced by Zephania Mbokoma.

Pirates grafted into dominance. Abbubaker Mobara’s cracking drive was pushed over by Dlamini. Issa Sarr inexcusably headed over an open goal.

Matlaba’s cross on the run was slightly behind Gabuza at the near post, who improvised with a fine scissor-kick for the opener.

Gabuza earned a start as the Premier Soccer League (PSL)’s top scorer, Tendai Ndoro, sulked increasingly goal-dry on the bench. The big man ran to his coach to celebrate the goal.

But if there’s one thing this Pirates are masters of it is squandering their hard work. Chippa unlocked Bucs down the middle to put Mako down the left, who finished between Mpontshane’s legs.

Sarr and Mobara’s central partnership has been crucial stabilising Bucs. But Sarr continually pushing into a striking role confused the lines of the Buccaneers’ shape.

Pirates, who played to a decent gameplan in the first half, drifted in the second.

But Matlaba – whose famous shooting boots had deserted him this season – struck a wicked one from range that wrong-footed Dlamini, who then tried to save with one hand, which was never enough to keep such a scorching strike out.

Other PSL results:

Saturday, 29 April 2017:

Free State Stars 1 – 2  Polokwane City

SuperSport United 2 – 2  Kaizer Chiefs

– TMG Digital/TMG Sport

Sundowns cruise to the top of the log with win over Arrows

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Strikes by Hlompho Kekana in the 59th minute and Motjeka Madisha in the 70th saw the defending champions march to a fifth straight league victory and first place by a point from Cape Town City, and with a game in hand.

When African champions can snuff out dangerous opponents like Arrows on their home ground so clinically, bringing foreign and Bafana Bafana internationals like Teko Modise, Anele Ngconcga and Fares Hachi off their bench, it is quite an imposing sight.

The Premier Soccer League (PS)L is set for a tight three-way finish between Downs, City and third-placed Bidvest Wits, 2-0 winners against Highlands Park at Makhulong Stadium on Friday night.

But if you had to bet your life on it, you would pick Downs, would you not?

With their pedigree, experience and player power, perhaps only continental distractions can stop Pitso Mosimane’s men from wrapping up a second consecutive league title.

Mosimane was concerned that Arrows would give his side a tricky match in Durban.

The KwaZulu-Natal side had lost once against Sundowns since their promotion back to the PSL at the beginning of last season.

They had drawn in Pretoria and won against Downs last season, and eliminated the Brazilians from the Nedbank Cup three weeks ago.

In a fired-up first half Arrows gave Sundowns a lively 45 minutes, from early on when the dangerous Kudakwashe Mahachi was free down the left to force a one-handed diving save by Denis Onyango

Downs, though, are championship material. They slowly took over control.

Captain Kekana led that charge from the front in that effort, his low shot from range with the outside of the beat following yet another move involving the lively Percy Tau and Khama Billiat seeing Arrows goalkeeper Nkosingiphile Gumede get down well.

Tebogo Langerman was played down the left to force a save by Gumede, the rebound falling to Lucky Mohomi, whose shot was cleared off the line by Matome Mathiane, though with the help of the Arrows captain’s hand. Downs’ penalty appeal was turned down.

Still Arrows did threaten as, at the start of the second half, Mahachi’s run and pass saw Lerato Lamola played through on the right to hit the side-betting.

But Downs took the lead with a simple, efficient goal from their top drawer. Tau, from the right, fed Billiat on the edge of the area who teed up Kekana with a fine, soft touch.

Kekana’s shot was low again, and had the power to beat Gumede from outside the area.

Modise’s experience had an influence for Downs after the former Bafana Bafana playmaker’s introduction for Mzikayise Mashaba soon after the restart.

With 20 minutes to go Modise’s dipping strike from outside the area had Gumede awkwardly pushing over his bar.

From the resultant corner Modise’s delivery was swung in perfectly for Motjeka Madisha to ghost in and get up over Musa Bilankulu to head in a second.

– TMG Digital/TMG Sport

Resurgent champions Sundowns prepare to wrestle top spot from leaders City

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Marc Strydom | 2017-04-27 14:14:06.0

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane is the first South African coach to claim the continent’s top honour. Picture credits: Gallo Images

Pitso Mosimane. File photo.
Image by: Gallo Images

Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns can go to the top of the Absa Premiership for the first time this season should they beat Lamontville Golden Arrows at Princess Magogo Stadium on Friday night.

The league will sit up and take notice should African champions Sundowns – having recovered from a five-match winless slump with four straight victories – make it win number five in KwaMashu‚ just north of Durban.

Also on Friday night‚ Bidvest Wits might be kicking themselves at having let slip a chance to take the PSL lead when they meet Highlands Park at Makhulong Stadium.

Wits were beaten 1-0 at home by SuperSport United at Bidvest Stadium on Tuesday night‚ where Buhle Mkhwanazi’s defensive error led to Thuso Phala’s winner in a game where the Clever Boys were pressing for a victory.

Wits (on 45 points from 23 games) can at best go to second place should Sundowns lose‚ and will remain in third if the Brazilians win.

Downs can go to 50 points from 24 games if they beat Arrows‚ which would be a point more than current PSL leaders Cape Town City (49)‚ who have played a match more on 25.

City do not play again until Monday‚ when they meet Maritzburg United at Harry Gwala Stadium.

Wits and Sundowns also square off on Monday in arguably the game of the season at Bidvest Stadium.

While Sundowns have an overall dominant record against Arrows‚ coach Pitso Mosimane has admitted that the KwaZulu-Natal side have been hard to beat for his team since Abafana Bes’thende’s promotion back to the PSL last season.

Downs have won once in four meetings against Arrows since their return from the NFD‚ 3-0 at home in the league this season in November.

The Brazilians lost 1-0 against Arrows in the Nedbank Cup last-16 just under three weeks ago.

In last season’s league games against Arrows Downs lost away and could only draw at home.

Sundowns taking possession of top of the log would send a warning to the PSL that the Brazilians – who have played catch-up in fixtures and points since winning the 2016 Caf Champions League – are on what might be an unstoppable warpath to defend their title.

Friday (both 8pm):

Lamontville Golden Arrows vs Mamelodi Sundowns (Prince Magogo Stadium) Highlands Park vs Bidvest Wits (Makhulong Stadium)

– TMG Digital/TMG Sport

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SuperSport United refuse to give up title chase

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Marc Strydom | 2017-04-26 15:20:15.0

SuperSport United midfielder Thuso Phala (R) celebrates with teammate Clayton Daniels after scoring a goal during the Absa Premiership match against Bidvest Wits at Bidvest Stadium on April 25, 2017 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Image by: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images

SuperSport United are not giving up on the Absa Premiership title race‚ a 1-0 win against Bidvest Wits at Bidvest Stadium on Tuesday night having brought them back from the brink of slipping out of the race.

SuperSport assistant coach Kaitano Tembo‚ on the bench on Tuesday night while head coach Stuart Baxter had a medical operation‚ pointed out that fifth-placed Matsatsantsa have more games against teams ahead of them.

If they can win those – as they did at the home of Wits‚ who dropped from second to third – along with other games‚ SuperSport can still reel in the leading sides‚ Tembo said.

“We dropped nine points in the last three matches.

“And I think this also brings us back in the mix‚” the SuperSport’s assistant said.

“We still have to play Cape Town City and Kaizer Chiefs‚ so anything is possible.

“But we’re happy that we managed to get the three points.”

Thuso Phala’s 68th-minute goal earned Matsatsantsa victory.

SuperSport had dropped off the pace in the PSL race with defeats against last-placed Baroka FC and back-to-back against defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns.

This had followed a 19-game record-equalling unbeaten run.

Their win on Tuesday saw Matsatsantsa go to 40 points‚ nine behind leaders Cape Town City‚ though SuperSport have a game in hand on the top side.

Tembo praised his players for sticking to their gameplan without head coach Baxter on the bench.

“I think our coach is a very professional man.

“And I think nothing had to change‚ because we do the same things on a daily basis‚” the ex-SuperSport and Zimbabwe defender said.

“I know what he does. We communicate. So it’s nothing new.

“I don’t think his absence really affected the team‚ because he trusts us that we know what we’re supposed to be doing. And we plan with him as well.”

SuperSport next meet Chiefs‚ who they beat on penalties in the Nedbank Cup this past weekend‚ at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday evening.

 – TMG Digital/TMG Sport

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Pirates draw Arrows‚ Supersport to face Chippa in Nedbank Cup semifinals

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Mninawa Ntloko | 2017-04-24 19:54:23.0

Stuart Baxter and Dean Furman during the SuperSport United press conference at PSL Offices on April 20, 2017 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Image by: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has announced that the Nedbank Cup final will be played at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on June 24.

Four clubs remain in the competition — defending champions Supersport United‚ Orlando Pirates‚ Chippa United and Golden Arrows — and one of them will walk away with the title on the 10th year anniversary of the event.

The semifinal draw was conducted on Monday night and SuperSport will face Chippa while Pirates resume their rivalry with old foes Arrows.

The dates‚ venues and kick off times of the two semifinal matches will be confirmed at a later stage.

Nedbank have purchased 10 000 tickets from the PSL for the final and they will be sold exclusively to the bank’s clients for R10 a ticket – a discount of over 80% in value to the ticket price.

PSL acting CEO Mato Madlala said they would make the decade-long partnership with the banking group a special occasion to remember.

“The PSL and Nedbank want to make the 2017 edition of the Nedbank Cup final special – after all‚ we are celebrating 10 years of a wonderful partnership‚” she said.

‘‘The Moses Mabhida Stadium is one of the country’s most iconic venues and we have hosted some historic finals there.

‘‘From Monday‚ we will intensify planning to ensure we deliver a spectacular world class event. Good luck to the four clubs that have qualified for the semi-finals.”

– TMG Digital/TMG Sport

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Baxter knew goalkeeper hero Pieterse would ‘be pumped to return to FNB’ to face old club Chiefs

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Marc Strydom | 2017-04-23 13:55:55.0

Stuart Baxter during the SuperSport United press conference at PSL Offices on April 20, 2017 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Image by: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images

SuperSport United coach Stuart Baxter said he knew that the goalkeeping hero of his side’s 5-3 Nedbank Cup quarterfinal penalties victory against Kaizer Chiefs would be “pumped to return to FNB Stadium”.

Baxter recalled ex-Chiefs keeper Pieterse to his starting line-up for Saturday night’s crucial quarterfinal for the defending champions in the cup competition that now probably represents SuperSport’s last chance of silverware in 2016-17.

This was despite the man-mountain keeper having conceded five goals in his previous match‚ the 5-0 league thrashing by Mamelodi Sundowns two Thursdays ago.

Ronwen Williams had only let in one goal in Matsatsantsa’s next three games‚ so it might have seemed a strange choice by the coach on the surface of it.

But Pieterse saved a penalty from old team-mate Bernard Parker in extra time to keep the score at 1-1‚ then another from George Maluleka in the shootout.

Baxter said there were a number of factors in the decision to recall Pieterse‚ one being that he thought the keeper‚ released by Chiefs at the end of last season‚ might have a point to prove at his old home ground.

“We’ve had Rons (Williams) on the injured list – a very bad injury (from November to mid-February). We’ve nursed him back and he’s got a few games under the belt‚” Baxter explained.

“And he’s done amazingly well in terms of his physique‚ because he’s lost 5 kilograms through hard work‚ and he’s probably the fittest he’s been for a long time. And in a way I want to reward that.

“Also‚ because we knew that against Sundowns (in a second‚ 1-0 defeat on Wednesday) we were going to try and build from the back‚ and we knew that with Ronwen if it was tight on him he can play.

“Reeyad‚ on the other hand‚ is more dominant on one-v-ones and crosses and knocking long ones onto our front play.

“So there was a little bit of policy of selecting your goalkeepers to get them all fit‚ and a little but of taking one for the game.

“And I knew Reyaad would be pumped to come back to the FNB. So it was just try to pick the best goalkeeper for the job.”

Ex-Chiefs coach Baxter was also up against his old club‚ fielding a number of the players who have defected from Amakhosi to SuperSport since his move to Pretoria‚ including Pieterse‚ Reneilwe Letsholonyane‚ Morgan Gould and Mandla Masango.

– TMG Digital/TMG Sport

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Holders SuperSport dump Chiefs out of Nedbank Cup

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Matsatsantsa’s goalkeeper pulled off a penalty save in extra time and another in the penalty shootout, won 5-3 by the team from Pretoria.

Jeremy Brockie weighed in too, with a 72nd minute opening goal to put SuperSport ahead, and the winning penalty in the shootout.

Ramahlwe Mphahlele had equalised for Chiefs in the 81st to send the game to extra time at 1-1, where Pieterse denied Bernard Parker’s penalty to maintain that scoreline.

SuperSport, having effectively had their league title chances wiped out in the past fortnight, now still have a chance for a trophy in 2016-17.

Chiefs have the league to play for if coach Steve Komphela to forego a second season without silverware.

Tight defending and circumspect attacking made for a 35 minutes where neither goalkeeper was tested.

One has to compare SuperSport’s schedule – losing twice in the league against Mamelodi Sundowns, 5-0 last Thursday and 1-0 on Wednesday, on either side of a 38-hour return trip to Liberia to beat Barrack Young Controllers 5-0 – to Chiefs’.

Amakhosi had a free week to prepare following their 1-0 Premier Soccer League (PSL) win against Chippa United here.

Still, Komphela knows the football of SuperSport coach Stuart Baxter, the one-time Bafana Bafana head coach he assisted, about as well as any other coach’s.

Wary of Matsatsantsa’s counter-attack, Chiefs were cautious in attack, taking a lot of passes to go forward in a sort of poor man’s tiki-taka, though without an end product due to a wariness to commit numbers forward.

SuperSport found their quick transitions stifled.

Matsatsantsa did find a way to open Chiefs in the 37th, Reneilwe Letsholonyane lifting an attempted finish. Then Thuso Phala outstripped Lorenzo Gordinho to shoot at Itumeleng Khune.

The suffocation of open spaces had been broken at the end of the first half and the match had some life breathed into it the second.

A fine chip from midfield by Willard Katsande picked out Joseph Molangoane, who slid a pass inside to Parker, who steered inches wide.

The best chance to that point came from one of SuperSport’s direct attacks in a sweeping move down the left flank where Phala fed Letsholonyane, who fed Thabo Mnyamane, who struck at Khune.

SuperSport’s directness was starting to hurt Chiefs, as, Brockie’s header from Phala’s cross was only denied by a world-class Khune stretch.

But from that corner Mnyamane found Brockie on the edge of the area to hit first time and low past Chiefs’ keeper.

Komphela introduced the fresh legs of Gustavo Paez and William Twala for George Lebese and Sibusiso Khumalo, and went for broke with three at the back.

Twala soon produced the skill and cross from the left that Mphahlele headed home at the far post, though with what seemed a foul by Chiefs’ right-back on Onismor Bhasera.

In extra time, Pieterse stopped Parker’s spot-kick after Dean Furman misjudged Twala’s cross and handled.

In the shootout, Mandla Masango, Furman, Clayton Daniels, Teboho Mokoena and Brockie were all successful for SuperSport.

For Chiefs, Siphiwe Tshabalala, Gordinho and Molangoane scored. George Maluleka’s kick was saved by Pieterse.

– TMG Digital/TMG Sport