Kaizer Chiefs Player Ratings: Hlanti impresses as Dolly & Shabalala flop

After returning to the side in last week’s 2-0 win over Royal AM, the goalkeeper had little to do against Galaxy as the home side rarely threatened.

Peterson made just one save from close range and was later booked for playing peacemaker when he went to separate teammate Siyabonga Ngezana from getting into a fight.

With first-choice right-backs Reeve Frosler and Dillon Solomons both out injured, versatile defender Ngezana was handed a start.

The academy graduate, however, did not offer much in attack like the missing duo but was solid defensively.

He put in two good tackles to stop Bernard Parker on the few occasions that Galaxy used the wings to attack.

The busier of the two full-backs, Hlanti came close twice after getting into the box but failed to hit the target.

He was first set up by Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana with his shot going just wide, before he attempted from distance following a Keagan Dolly pass. He also delivered good crosses in the box but they were not utilised by his teammates.

Dropped against Royal AM, the defender returned against Galaxy and put in a good display. He was key in winning aerial battles although he nearly let Parker in after losing possession on the edge of the box.

The Mozambiquan has been the leader at the back for Amakhosi and maintained his high level of performance. He was key in winning most ground duels for Chiefs and was also not afraid to get forward.

Two such moments saw him create chances for Mduduzi Shabalala and Keagan Dolly but the two failed to capitalize.

The midfield maestro has impressed since being recalled to the team with his ability to win back possession and play accurate passes.

He continued his good displays in the engine room and also made forward runs. Shithebe helped out defensively, especially on set pieces, and would later come close to scoring from a thunderous strike after beating two of his markers.

A more conservative display from the midfielder who avoided the temptation of going forward. Maart dictated the tempo of the game with his great range of passing but his lack of pace nearly proved costly when he lost possession in midfield just after the break.

Deployed on the right wing, the diminutive attacker was looking for a bigger impact after grabbing his fourth assist of the season against Royal AM but it failed to materialise.

He came close to grabbing a beautiful assist when he set up Ashley du Preez with a lovely backheel but the forward missed by inches just before halftime.

With Galaxy frustrating Chiefs with a low block after going down to 10 men, Dolly attempted from distance two minutes from time but failed to find the target.

Shabalala made the starting XI after creating some threatening moments last week but had a quiet game against Galaxy.

His major contribution was a long-range shot later in the first half after being set up by Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana. He was taken off just after 70 minutes and replaced with speedster Kgaogelo Sekgota.

The winger came into the match high on confidence after ending his four-match goal drought in the PSL last weekend but ended if a frustrated man.

He surely should have scored from the Du Preez backheel after getting the ball beyond the goalkeeper but missed by inches.

It was the only attacking action of note from the forward who had showed great movement on the left wing for Chiefs early in the contest.

Bimenyimana retained his place in the starting XI despite his toothless display against Royal AM and with the presence of new man Christian Saile Basomboli.

He had a much-improved game even though little service came his way, forcing him to drop deep, where he nearly set up Hlanti and Shabalala before he was taken off on a stretcher following a nasty ankle injury 10 minutes after the break.
The challenge, from Galaxy’s Marks Munyai which saw him sent off for what a second bookable offence, looked horrific and coach Arthur Zwane will be hoping that the Burundi international is not out for long.

Came in after 56 minutes following the injury to Bimenyimana but the Amakhosi new boy failed to sparkle like he did on his debut.

Saile had only one attempt on goal, missing close from header after connecting well with a free-kick, as found it hard to break the Galaxy defence.

Replaced Shabalala with 18 minutes left and showed great pace on the wing. He delivered one cross in the final five minutes but no one got on the end of it.

Matlou was a 90^th minute replacement for Dolly but had little time to make an impact with less than five touches of the ball.