Kaizer Chiefs returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Durban City at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, thanks to a late header from substitute Flavio Da Silva. The Portuguese forward, who came off the bench in the second half, delivered the decisive moment just three minutes from time, ending Chiefs’ four-match winless streak and reviving their Betway Premiership title ambitions.
It was a tense and scrappy affair for long periods, with both teams struggling to find rhythm or creativity in the final third. Chiefs dominated possession but found it difficult to penetrate a disciplined Durban City defense led by the experienced Darren Keet in goal. As frustration grew among the Amakhosi faithful, the game appeared destined to finish goalless.
However, Da Silva’s instinct inside the penalty area proved the difference. Gaston Sirino delivered a teasing cross from the right wing, and Da Silva timed his run perfectly, leaping above his marker to power a superb header beyond Keet. The goal, his third in just four league appearances, sparked jubilant celebrations on the Chiefs bench and among the travelling supporters.
After the match, co-head coach Cedric Kaze praised Da Silva for his clinical impact, describing him as a pure “penalty box striker.” He noted that the forward’s instincts and positioning make him invaluable in tight games where chances are few. Kaze also acknowledged that Da Silva had been managing a recent injury, which limited his minutes, but reaffirmed the technical team’s trust in his ability to deliver when called upon.
Kaze admitted that the overall team performance lacked sharpness, attributing the sluggish display to fatigue from their recent CAF Confederation Cup match against AS Simba. Chiefs had secured qualification for the group stages after a grueling contest, which Kaze said had taken a mental and physical toll on the players.
Despite the subdued performance, the coach emphasized the importance of grinding out results in a long league campaign. He pointed out that in previous matches, Chiefs had dominated possession and created numerous chances without winning, making this victory especially significant.
The three points lifted Kaizer Chiefs to within two points of league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, a timely boost as they aim to sustain their domestic and continental momentum. For Kaze and his team, the result was not just about points but about confidence and belief — a crucial step forward after weeks of frustration.
