Kaizer Chiefs captain Yusuf Maart was inspirational as 10 men Chiefs returned to winning ways after defeating Richards Bay 2-1 in the Betway Premiership at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Maart assisted Wandile Duba and Ashley Du Preez in both halves, respectively to help his side secure their first victory since September.
The result means Chiefs rises two spots up on the log to sixth position with 10 points from six matches, while the Natal Rich Boys are third from bottom with five points from eight encounters.
Chiefs could have led as early as the fourth minute when Pule Mmodi found Du Preez, however the latter missed the target. Mdu Shabalala also shot from range in the seventh minute but the ball went over the bar.
Richards Bay had a chance two minutes later when Yanela Mbuthuma found Somila Ntsundwana who only hit the side of the net. In the 15th minute Reeve Frosler tried to find Du Preez in the box, however that ball was cleared by Richards Bay defense.
Chiefs’ efforts were finally rewarded six minutes later when Maart crossed to Duba who scored the opener. Chiefs could have led 3-0 at the break if Given Msimango and Bradley Cross converted great chances in the 31st and 35th minutes, respectively.
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The sides returned for the second half unchanged but Frosler had to take an early shower in the first minute of the second stanza, after getting a second yellow card.
Meanwhile the visitors won a set-piece at the hour mark, Lwandile Mabuya stepped up but missed the target.
Eight minutes later it was the Chiefs skipper again as he set-up Du Preez for the winner. Maart could have stolen even more headlines with 11 minutes left on the clock, with only the goalkeeper to beat but he side-netted from a Du Preez pass.
Bay scored a late consolation goal via Mbuthuma but it was just a mare scare for Amakhosi.
Click here for the updated Betway Premiership log.
