Rampant Kaizer Chiefs successfully defended their Premier Soccer League (PSL) title after beating Bloemfontein Celtic 2-0 at the Free State Stadium on Sunday.
The result saw the Amakhosi beating arch-rivals and long-time log leaders Orlando Pirates to the title race. The Buccaneers had to settle for a disappointing 1-1 draw against Bush Bucks to end their season as runners-up, two points behind Chiefs.
Chiefs’ lethal striker Collins Mbesuma netted both goals and scored his first in the 54th minute when he beat Celtics goalkeeper Vincent Ongandzi with a powerful volley, after receiving a pinpoint pass from Arthur Zwane.
The deadly striker gave the champions a comfortable lead when he netted his second goal in the 67th minute — this after a cute move, involving Thabo Mooki and Tinashe Nengomasha, culminated with the latter laying off to Mbesuma to score his 25th league goal of the season.
The Glamorous Phefeni Boys were home and dry and then did a bit of showboating as they played for the loyal fans who packed the Free State Stadium to capacity.
The home side would be disappointed with the result as they missed several golden scoring chances, but their inability of finishing in front of goal was their downfall.
Swallows, Leopards draw
Meanwhile, Moroka Swallows came from behind to share the spoils in a 1-1 draw against Black Leopards at the Rand Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The score was 1-1 at half-time.
Leopards midfielder Jabulani Maluleke opened the scoring with a scorcher of a free kick from long range, which had Swallows goalkeeper Conrad Hendricks rooted to his goal line.
Swallows then pressurised Leopards and it bore fruit when midfielder Mark McVeigh struck the equaliser in the 35th minute.
Both coaches made several changes in the second half, but this failed to break the deadlock.
Referee Peter Mabuza gave Swallows coach Gavin Hunt his marching orders in the 77th minute after being warned to stay on his bench.
Swallows end their season in fourth position on 49 points and Leopards finish 14th with 31. — Sapa