Kaizer Chiefs score late to rescue draw at Sekhukhune

• Ranga Chivaviro scored the late equalizer
• Chiefs are sixth in the standings
• Stellenbosch beat Pirates in another match

Kaizer Chiefs came from a goal down to draw 1-1 with Sekhukhune United in a South African Premier Soccer League match at the New Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane. Ranga Chivaviro scored a brilliant late goal as Chiefs ensured they ended the year with at least a point.

Playing their final fixture of 2023, Amakhosi trailed at halftime to an Elias Mokwana goal, before Chivaviro equalised in the 80th minute for a share of the spoils.

After a pacy start to the game, Amakhosi’s first effort on goal came after 18 minutes when Ashley Du Preez broke free down the inside right channel but his shot was blocked by the goalkeeper.

Moments later, Sekhukhune broke forward and Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya unleashed a fierce shot from long range that grazed the post with Bruce Bvuma beaten.

Bvuma redeemed himself shortly afterwards, reacting smartly to deny Vusimuzi Ncube with a fine reflex save.

Sekhukhune got their lead three minutes from half time, Kamohelo Mokotjo swinging in a cross from the left and Mokwana rose to plant a header past Bvuma.

In the second half, Chiefs piiled in loads of pressure to take the game back level, but were unsuccessful until 10 minutes to time when Chivaviro, who joined the team at the start of the season, pulled off a brilliant shot from distance.

Kaizer Chiefs remain sixth 

Kaizer Chiefs enjoyed support away from home

The draw sees Chiefs remain at sixth spot in the PSL with 24 points, 11 behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns who were held to a 0-0 draw by Polokwane City in another match, their second successive draw.

The defending champions have played three matches less than the rest of the teams in the league.

Meanwhile, on form Stellenbosch staged a dramatic comeback, coming from two goals down to edge out Orlando Pirates 3-2 at their backyard. Andre de Jong scored a 77th minute winner for the Stellies, capping off a wonderful comeback in their final match of the year.

Tapelo Xoki’s penalty had given Pirates a halftime 1-0 lead before Evidence Makgopa added the second in the 59th minute, and it seemed sweet sailing for the sea robbers.

However, two goals in two minutes turned the tie around for Stellenbosch, Iqraam Rayners scoring in the 69th minute before Devin Titus pulled them level just two minutes later.

Pirates had started the game well with Makgopa and Karim Kimvuidi each directing the ball out for a goal kick after working their way behind the defence.

Pirates’ best chance of the opening quarter came from Deon Hotto, who was played in by Patrick Maswanganyi on the left before grazing the outer part of the upright with his shot at goal.

Pirates remain on driving seat 

Stellenbosch celebrate their win over Orlando Pirates

They remained on the driving seat for much of the opening half and were presented a chance to take the lead just after the half-hour mark when Thabo Moloisane conceded after using his hand to block Xoki’s header from a Bucs set piece.

It was the skipper who stepped up to the spot for the hosts.

The home side doubled their lead in the second half off an excellent cross from the right which was cleverly flicked over the line by Makgopa for his fourth in the league this season.

But they would crumble late on, Stellies scoring thrice in eight minutes to complete the comeback.

The victory is Stellies’ fourth consecutive and lifts them all the way up to fourth in the standings with 26 points, nine behind leaders Sundowns who have played a match more than them.

Stellenbosch has been a team on form this season and they have not lost in their last five outings, winning four on the trot and one draw. They aim to continue their push up as they aim toi disturb the status quo on top of the log.