Vilakazi applies the magic as Kaizer Chiefs win first trophy

Mfundo Vilakazi’s 17^th minute goal was all that Kaizer Chiefs needed to win their first trophy of the Fernando da Cruz era following a 1-0 win over Zimbabwean side Scottland FC.

Playing the third edition of the Toyota Cup at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Sunday, Amakhosi had the youngster to thank for the win.

The winger showed great quality and composure in the box when he picked a loose ball, chested it, before slotting in the bottom right corner and Da Cruz’s side held on to claim the win.

The match started slowly with Chiefs taking on an opponent who had familiar faces given ex-Amakhosi strikers Knowledge Musona and Khama Billiat were playing for Scottland FC.

More missed opportunities from Vilakazi

Vilakazi’s goal was the first real attack at either goal when a ball was floated over from the back and it was not cleared well by the Scottland defence, falling to Vilakazi, who was stationed on the edge of the box.

The youngster chested it and let it roll before slotting smartly past the goalkeeper to break the deadlock.

Asanele Velebayi had an opportunity to score the second for Chiefs after 24 minutes when he weaved past his markers but was unable to go past the last defender.

Vilakazi then got a chance to seal his brace seven minutes later when Lebohang Maboe found him with a great pass on the left but his poor first touch allowed the goalkeeper to get to the ball before he pulled the trigger.

Well-organised Kaizer Chiefs defence

However, just before halftime, Chiefs received a setback when defender Bradley Cross, who was playing at centre-back, was taken off with an injury to be replaced by Given Msimango.

In the second half, Scottland found it hard to break the well-organised Chiefs defence and when they went forward, the Glamour Boys stretched them against the run of play.

One such incident took place in the 79^th minute when Luke Baartman found Vilakazi in space and the winger went on a good run before slotting to Wandile Duba. The striker would make his way to the near post but fired over the bar.

A lot of positives from Da Cruz’s team

In stoppage time, Duba had another great opportunity to kill it off when he found himself behind the Scottland defence but he was fouled before he took a shot although no penalty was given.

It was a game that gave Da Cruz a lot to be confident about ahead of his side’s Premier Soccer League season-opener against Kruger United on Saturday, August 1 as his team looked solid at the back while some of his new signings like Adolf Mtasingwa impressed.

Chiefs won the Toyota Cup for the first time in three years, having lost to Young Africans of Tanzania in 2024 and to Asante Kotoko from Ghana last year.