Mfundo Vilakazi’s sublime goal earned Kaizer Chiefs a deserved 1-0 victory over Scottland FC and the Toyota Cup trophy at the Royal Bafokeng stadium in Phokeng on Sunday.
The youngster took the ball on his chest 17th minute after Scottland failed to properly clear a Lebohang Maboe cross and burst through centreback, Tijani Al-Ameen’s challenge before demonstrating supreme composure in calmly guiding the ball beyond the goalkeeper’s reach just inside the far post for what prved to be the winner.
Notwithstanding its billing as a friendly, the match provided a stern test for Chiefs against an accomplished side in the Zimbabwean champions.
Amakhosi came out in their striking new pin-striped home strip to tumultuous cheers from the packed stadium.
New coach handed a debut to newly-acquired Tanzanian international, Adolf Mtasingwa, who made a solid start to his Chiefs career alongside Maboe in the heart of midfield.
The team showed early signs of the work they had been doing on their recently completed pre-season camp in Spain, with some neat passing interchanges and a recognisable shape both in and out of possession.
Thabo Monyane’s pace on the right flank was a continuous thorn in Scottland’s left side and it was from a free kick won by the flying full back that brought Amakhosi’s first attempt at goal, a blocked Moboe effort set up by Vilakazi.
Also noticeable was the high defensive line employed by Chiefs, with Bradley Cross partnering Inacio Miguel in the centre. They were tested a few times by the speedy Scottland frontline but managed to avert and real danger, with Brandon Petersen very quick off his line to compress the space behind the defence.
Following Vilakazi’s goal, Asanele Velebayi went close following some intricate combination play with Ethan Chislett and Vilakazi was thwarted by the goalkeeper when Maboe found him inside the box after winning the ball impressively and running at the Scottland defence.
Both coaches made wholesale substitutions after the halftime break, although Da Cruz was more circumspect than his Scottland counterpart, Norman Mamesa who replaced his entire line-up, bringing on veteran former Chiefs stars Khama Billiat and Knowledge Musona who showed occasional touches that reminded the fans of what once made them beloved heroes.
For Amakhosi, now playing in their equally beguiling new black away strip, Etiosa Ighodaro and Wandile Duba looked lively in attack, while Da Cruz will be pleased at the defensive organisation and commitment of his players, as Scottland pinned Chiefs back for much of the second period in search of the equaliser that never came. That said, the likes of Vilakazi and Luke Baartman were always a threat on the counter when Chiefs won the ball back.
While there is still work to be done, the performance and result will give the Club a big boost and strong motivation going into the Betway Premiership season-opener against Kruger United this coming Saturday evening in Mbombela.
