Kaizer Chiefs earned their first win of their pre-season tour in the Netherlands, defeating Eredivisie side PEC Zwolle 1-0 on Tuesday evening.
Coach Nasreddine Nabi made only one change from the side that lost 1-0 to NEC Nijmegen a few days prior, with Pule Mmodi replacing Thabo Cele in the starting lineup.
PEC Zwolle had the first real opportunity after 15 minutes when Mduduzi Shabalala lost possession near his own box. However, the resulting shot went wide of the post.
The Glamour Boys created a chance of their own in the 31st minute, but new signing Flavio Da Silva's effort sailed over the bar.
How did Chiefs break the deadlock?
The home side nearly took the lead just before halftime, but their striker missed the target from close range. Despite the lack of goals, the first half was so far their most impressive display in the Netherlands.
Chiefs continued their strong display in the second half and finally broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute through Naledi Hlongwane’s rebound. Shabalala's shot struck the post, and Hlongwane, who had replaced Da Silva in the first half, reacted quickly to score.
Shortly after, there was a moment of worry for Chiefs when goalkeeper Brandon Petersen went down injured and needed some strapping on the ankle before he continued.
Chiefs ended run of three straight losses
Nabi then made a number substitutions, Reeve Frosler, Ethan Chislett, Gaston Sirino, George Matlou, Mfundo Vilakazi, and Thulani Mabaso, Kabelo Nkgwesa and Wandile Duba all coming on.
Despite the numerous changes, Chiefs remained relatively untroubled until the 82nd minute, when Petersen made two crucial saves to keep their advantage while Vilakazi drew a good save from the Zwolle goalkeeper in the dying minutes of the contest.
Chiefs had lost their three matches in the Netherlands, a 2-1 defeat to Vitesse, a 4-0 thrashing followed by a 1-0 loss to Utrecht before Tuesday’s victory.
Amakhosi will complete their series of pre-season matches against FC Twente on Wednesday.
