Wandile Duba was the star of the show, netting a hat-trick as Kaizer Chiefs triumphed 3-0 to secure their place in the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals against TS Galaxy at FNB Stadium.
Notably, Amakhosi welcomed back Rushwin Dortley —out since March 2025 with an injury— alongside captain Brandon Petersen, who also returned to the starting line-up. Meanwhile, TS Galaxy shook up their side by handing goalkeeper Melusi Mathebula his club debut while resting Ira Tape.
The match began with Galaxy dictating the tempo and keeping Chiefs confined to their defensive half, albeit without creating any meaningful scoring opportunities.
As the half progressed, Chiefs gained confidence and found their footing in the game. In the 14th minute, Duba missed a glaring chance following a precise through pass from Mfundo Vilakazi.
Although Chiefs continued to surge forward in search of the lead, they failed to capitalise, while the visitors ultimately failed to sustain their promising opening ten minutes.
The half closed out quietly with few chances at either end, while the hosts remained in control. The score remained locked at 0-0 heading into the break.
The Phefeni Glamour Boys made a bright start to the second half, breaking the deadlock early when Duba rifled home from close range following a neat setup by Pule Mmodi.
Looking eager to double their lead, the Soweto giants continued to press into the final third. Their persistence paid off in the 60th minute when Amakhosi were awarded a penalty after Zulu fouled Mduduzi Shabalala inside the box. Although goalkeeper Mathebula denied Mfundo Vilakazi from the spot, Duba was quickest to react, slamming home the rebound to score.
Duba sealed his hat-trick in the 65th minute, running onto Shabalala’s through ball and beating the advancing goalkeeper to find the back of the net. With victory already well in hand, Amakhosi comfortably took their foot off the gas.
They now turn their attention to a massive Betway Premiership Soweto Derby against arch-rivals Orlando Pirates, set for Saturday, 31 October, at FNB Stadium.