Kaizer Chiefs deliver “at the right time” to go nine-points clear

Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp was impressed with his side’s ability to manage the game, as they beat Cape Town City 3-0 at FNB Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The win – their second on the trot with an identical scoreline – saw them open up a nine-point gap on their closest rivals, Mamelodi Sundowns, who have a date with Orlando Pirates in midweek.

Perfect timing serves up three points for Kaizer Chiefs

Speaking after the game, the German hailed his charges for finding the net at the perfect moments, as they shut the struggling Mother City outfit out of the contest.

“It was not a game of excellence, but I believe we showed the art of managing the game‚ scoring at the right time and not allowing the opponent to come even close‚” he said.

The first goal came via the head of Leonardo Castro, who connected with a cross from Kearyn Baccus to put the hosts ahead in the 10th minute.

City dominated the period that followed the opening goal, but were unable to find the equaliser.

The second goal of the match came at the other end, just two minutes after the hour-mark, as Samir Nurkovic marked his return from suspension with his ninth strike of the season.

The Serb was on hand to flick a perfectly-weighted Dumisani Zuma cross with his head past the diving Peter Leeuwenburgh.

The wait for the third would only take two minuted, as Chiefs shut out all doubt about the result through defender Erick Mathoho who, once again, capitalised from a set-piece to bag his fourth of the season.

While the result is a massive boon for Kaizer Chiefs in their title hunt, it’s another blow for Cape Town City, who remain at the bottom half of the table.

The Cape outfit sits in 13th place with just three wins in 18 matches.

They next face title contenders Bidvest Wits at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday, 18 January.