Kaizer Chiefs whipped Bloemfontein Celtic 4-1 in their entertaining Premier Soccer League match at FNB Stadium on Saturday night.
It was Celtic’s inaugural match under their new sponsors, Vodacom, who have just signed an R8-million, three-year deal with the Free State-based side.
AmaKhosi led 3-0 at half-time.
Their booed boy striker David Radebe held the whip, scoring two goals. He opened the floodgates in the 19th minute and confirmed his brace when scoring Chiefs’ fourth goal in the 90th minute.
Emmanuel Ngobese increased the tally to 2-0 in the 34th minute when his left-footer rattled the net. He was sent through by Collins Mbesuma.
Thabo Mooki registered his name on the scorers’ sheet in the 38th minute. Radebe was back in the spotlight two minutes later, but his good strike was brilliantly saved by Celtic’s goalkeeper, Simon Gopane.
Arthur Zwane missed the opportunity to score when he scooped the ball over the posts with only Gopane to beat in the 46th minute.
Celtic, who were stunned by three quick goals in the first half, began playing with serious purpose in the second stanza.
They looked good going forward, but their lack of composure inside the box let them down.
They never stopped trying, though. They caused havoc with their constant visits into the Chiefs’ area.
Jorry Merahe crossed inside the box where Collins Chabalala had positioned himself so well that he easily nodded home past Chiefs sticksman Rowen Fernadez, reducing their deficit to 3-1 in the 68th minute.
Celtic came close in the 70th minute when John Maduka flicked the ball to Bienvenu Tipa but the Cameroonian just could not control the ball, which was safely saved by Fernandez.
Gopane thwarted Mbesuma in the 72nd minute and coach Ted Dumitru replaced him with Songwe Chalwe. The Zambian made an immediate impact when his first touch fed Radebe a perfect pass, which was buried home.
Chiefs’ victory, in front of about 30 000 fans, did nothing to change their position on the log. They remain fourth with 24 points from 12 matches. It was their seventh win against two losses, while Celtic suffered their fifth defeat from 15 matches. — Sapa