Kaizer Chiefs Fall to Mamelodi Sundowns in a Thrilling Clash, but Progress Under Nasreddine Nabi is Evident
Kaizer Chiefs faced their first defeat of the 2024/25 DStv Premiership season at the hands of Mamelodi Sundowns, but despite the loss, there are unmistakable signs of progress under new head coach Nasreddine Nabi. In a heated and highly competitive encounter, Amakhosi pushed Sundowns all the way, but a combination of missed opportunities, controversial officiating decisions, and goalkeeping brilliance from Sundowns’ Ronwen Williams sealed the game in favor of the defending champions.
For fans of South African football, this match provided everything one could hope for—goals, drama, and controversy. It will go down as one of the most memorable PSL matches in recent history, and although Kaizer Chiefs left the pitch without points, their performance suggests they are building something special.
Sundowns vs. Kaizer Chiefs: A Heated Rivalry Renewed
Whenever Mamelodi Sundowns face Kaizer Chiefs, it’s more than just a regular PSL fixture. The rivalry between these two teams has grown in intensity over the years, with both sides representing footballing excellence and historical dominance in South African football. This particular match had all the ingredients to be a classic: two teams brimming with talent, tactical acumen, and a passionate fan base on both sides.
Chiefs entered this contest buoyed by a solid start to their season, yet facing a Sundowns side that has been a juggernaut in South African football for the better part of the last decade. The Brazilians, as Sundowns are affectionately known, were unbeaten this season and looked to extend their dominance. Chiefs, on the other hand, have shown promising signs of improvement under Nasreddine Nabi, with a clear emphasis on a more structured and disciplined style of play.
First Half: Early Goals and Controversial Moments
The match got off to a fast start with Kaizer Chiefs grabbing an early lead in the 9th minute. Reeve Frosler, whose overlapping runs were a feature of the match, sent a perfectly weighted pass to Ranga Chivaviro. Chivaviro, a player who has been a standout for Chiefs since joining from Marumo Gallants, made no mistake with his finish, slotting the ball past Ronwen Williams to give Amakhosi the advantage. This was Chivaviro’s second goal in as many games, and his sharpness in front of goal will be a key asset for Chiefs this season.
Sundowns, however, responded in typical fashion. Their fluid passing and patient build-up play eventually paid off in the 31st minute when Lucas Ribeiro Costa found the back of the net. Sundowns had been pressing hard, and Costa’s equalizer was a result of sustained pressure on the Chiefs’ defense. Questions could be raised about Chiefs’ marking in the lead-up to the goal, but Ribeiro Costa’s clinical finishing demonstrated why Sundowns are so lethal in attack.
As the first half progressed, the major talking point came in the 37th minute when Iqraam Rayners scored what would prove to be the winning goal for Sundowns. The controversy, however, surrounded whether Rayners was offside when the ball was played to him. Many Chiefs fans and pundits felt that the goal should have been disallowed, and replays suggested that Rayners was in an offside position. Despite the protests from the Chiefs’ bench, the referee and his assistants allowed the goal to stand, much to the dismay of Amakhosi supporters.
The Goalkeeping Masterclass of Ronwen Williams
While the controversy surrounding Rayners’ goal grabbed headlines, it was Ronwen Williams’ performance in goal for Mamelodi Sundowns that truly stood out. Williams, the Sundowns and Bafana Bafana shot-stopper, was in imperious form throughout the match, denying Chiefs on numerous occasions.
Williams made several world-class saves, most notably denying Ranga Chivaviro a second goal, as well as keeping out efforts from Ashley Du Preez and Edson Castillo. His command of the penalty area, quick reflexes, and ability to organize his defense were instrumental in Sundowns holding onto their lead. Williams has long been regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in South African football, and this performance only solidified his status.
Chiefs, despite creating numerous chances, were left frustrated by Williams’ heroics. Chivaviro, who was lively throughout, could have easily had a brace on another day. Du Preez, too, was a constant threat, using his pace to stretch Sundowns’ defense, but ultimately, the finishing touch was lacking, thanks in large part to Williams’ interventions.
Nasreddine Nabi’s Tactical Blueprint Shows Promise
One of the most encouraging signs for Kaizer Chiefs fans is the clear tactical improvement under Nasreddine Nabi. Chiefs looked well-organized defensively, pressed high up the pitch, and moved the ball with purpose when in possession. Under previous coaches, Amakhosi often looked disjointed and lacked a clear identity, but Nabi seems to have instilled a more cohesive game plan.
Nabi’s use of full-backs, particularly Reeve Frosler, to join in attacks was a key feature of Chiefs’ play. Frosler’s assist for Chivaviro’s goal was just one example of how Chiefs were able to stretch Sundowns and create overloads in wide areas. Furthermore, Edson Castillo’s role as a deep-lying playmaker allowed Chiefs to dictate the tempo for significant portions of the match, especially in the first half.
Nabi’s willingness to make bold tactical changes was also evident when he introduced fresh legs in the second half, with the likes of Mduduzi Shabalala and Keagan Dolly coming off the bench to add more creativity and attacking threat. Chiefs pushed for an equalizer right until the final whistle, and while they were ultimately denied, the intent and ambition were clear for all to see.
Late Drama and Disallowed Goal: Chiefs’ Agony in Stoppage Time
The closing stages of the match provided even more drama, with Chiefs believing they had snatched a late equalizer. Inacio Miguel, a towering presence in Chiefs’ backline, thought he had scored in stoppage time to rescue a point for Amakhosi. However, his joy was short-lived as the referee disallowed the goal, citing a foul in the build-up.
This decision sparked outrage among Chiefs fans, who felt that the call was harsh. The disallowed goal, coupled with the earlier controversy surrounding Rayners’ winner, left a bitter taste in the mouths of Amakhosi supporters, many of whom felt that their team had been unfairly treated by the officiating.