Siphiwe Tshabalala of Kaizer Chiefs
The improving Chiefs — inspired again by recently returned Reneilwe Letsholonyane in the first half — garnered a second successive win on Wednesday but remained sixth on the log with 46 points.
In his first start of the year after an injury lay off, Letsholonyane expertly slotted in the opener for the hosts after seven minutes, before trotting off at half-time as a precaution.
Chiefs had dominated the first half proceedings with an unlucky Siphiwe Tshabalala hitting the woodwork, as they took a 1-0 interval lead.
The dreadlocked Bafana Bafana midfielder had come on to aid Chiefs as they ended a four-match losing streak against Mamelodi Sundowns last week in his first game back.
Bernard Parker settled matters for Amakhosi with a second goal in the 67th minute, after being supplied by Tshabalala.
It was the forward’s third league goal of the campaign with their new coach for next season, Stuart Baxter, watching in the stands at Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Consecutive losses
Ajax could only show glimpses of their potential have now gone six matches without a win, and suffered a second consecutive lost after their away game to Bloemfontein Celtic last week.
A spot in the top half of the table hangs in balance as they remain in ninth place with 37 points and two fixtures remaining.
Their best chance in the first 45 minutes came from George Maluleka’s shot which was saved by Itumeleng Khune in the 17th minute.
Ajax came out a better unit in the second half and controlled matters in the early parts.
Khama Billiat fashioned a chance on the edge of the box that were easily halted by an alert Khune.
However, they soon conceded a second goal that took the wind out of the Urban Warriors’ sail.
Chiefs gained superiority after the hour mark and a last chance attempt for Ajax, from Billiat, went wide of the target. — Sapa