CHIEFS IN FINE FORM Soweto giants impress in 4-1 victory over game Celtic
KAIZER Chiefs hammered Bloemfontein Celtic 4-1 as they defended their Gauteng Cup title yesterday.
But this tie would be mostly remembered for the two spectacular goals that hugely elevated the status of this tournament.
Amakhosi midfield anchor Willard Katsande lit up the scene with a wonder goal, a 35yard pile drive on the half-hour mark.
Spotting Thembalethu Moses off his line, Katsande let loose a long-range shot that flew past the Celtic shot-stopper.
Not to be outdone, Siphiwe Tshabalala followed with an equally spectacular goal from a cross. He showed good anticipation as he timed a George Lebese cross, four minutes before interval.
He might not be a regular scorer, as he is been battling to regain his World Cup form, but many such goals could once again endear Tshabalala to Amakhosi loyalists.
Celtic skipper Thabo Nthethe pulled one back for the Free Staters minutes after the break, heading in powerfully against the run of play.
But that was before Knowledge Musona announced his return to Amakhosi, gliding in the third goal midway through the second half.
Kaizer Motaung Jnr also got in on the act, finishing off from close range.
It is worth noting that Clinton Larsen fielded a weakened line-up and, despite the defeat, the Celtic coach can pick up a lot of positives from the tournament.
Phunya SeleSele beat University of Pretoria on penalties in a semifinal clash in the morning and displayed depth in their ranks when they fielded almost an entirely different team against Chiefs.
The likes of Willy Stephanus certainly raised his hand for regular selection.