Kaizer Chiefs Player Ratings: Hlanti, Du Preez on target but debutant Saile Basomboli steals the show

The goalkeeper got his first start since October having replaced veteran Itumeleng Khune but did not have much to do.

He only made one save at the tail end of the game but his distribution was great as he nearly set up Mduduzi Shabalala before the forward shot wide after a good run into the opposition box.

The right-back lasted just seven minutes before he was replaced by Dillan Solomons after a collision with Siyabonga Ngezana.

The left-back’s aerial strength has been seen as an asset and it proved to be against Royal as he rose highest to head in Chiefs’ first goal from a free-kick.

That was after some shaky moments at the back in the first half when he nearly cost his team a goal after a poor clearance while he left a lot of gaps behind whenever he went forward.

His match winner provided a silver lining to what was not an entirely brilliant display from him.

Ngezana was recalled to the starting line-up in the place of Zitha Kwinika who has produced some poor performances in the last few weeks and gave a good account of himself.

He cleared away danger with his aerial presence helping deal with the Royal forwards who attempted to beat Chiefs’ high line.

The centre-back was not shaken on Sunday as he put in another assured performance at the heart of Chiefs’ defence.

Dove was the one who brought calmness to the backline while his quality on the ball was also impressive, starting attacks from deep on a number of occasions. He also won numerous ground duels with his intelligent tackling.

Having impressed against Mamelodi Sundowns off the bench, Sithebe earned his place in the starting XI and Zwane must have been impressed.

The midfielder was everywhere, clearing out danger but most importantly, making forays forward to create and also try to score. One of those runs drew a great save from the goalkeeper after a thunderous strike in the second half.

Maart was calm in midfield and helped cover up for the defenders whenever they were dragged out wide when Hlanti made forward runs.

He was key in winning aerial battles in midfield and dealt well with the physical Royal forwards to hep keep them at bay.

Criticised for poor performances recently, Dolly ended the game with an assist after bringing in an inch-perfect free-kick that Hlanti scored from.

He dictated proceedings just behind the striker and would drift out wide on occasions to drag defenders out of space, a much-improved game from his performance against Sundowns last week.

Shabalala made his second start of the season and used his mesmerising dribbling skills to unsettle the Royal defence.

His ability to beat his markers saw him get in dangerous areas but failed to score from close range. He, however, had a hand in Chiefs’ second goal after starting the move before passing to new signing Christian Saile Basomboli who found Ashley du Preez.

Du Preez was Chiefs' best attacker against Sundowns and while he did not a goal that his performance deserved, he was on target against Royal, netting Amakhosi’s second and his third of the season.

He was a constant menace for the Royal defence as he constantly switched wings with Shabalala. He nearly opened the scoring after nine minutes when he robbed a defender only to shoot directly at the goalkeeper.

Another poor game in front of goal for the Burundi international, Bimenyimana missed Chiefs’ best chance of the game in the first half.

Following a good run, Dillan Solomons squared the ball in the box and Bimenyimana opted for style over substance as his attempt to score with the backheel so him fluff his lines.

He was replaced by new signing Christian Saile Basomboli after 56 minutes and he now has a battle to regain his position following the arrival of the Congolese striker.

Replaced Frosler eight minutes into the game and was one of Chiefs' brightest players until the 80^th minute when he was also taken off in pain.

Solomons made good runs into the Royal box and was not afraid to beat his markers. He had two good opportunities which he missed after shooting just wide and his pace and power did not just open up space for his teammates but also tired the opponents.

What a debut for the Congolese striker! Basomboli had everything; tenacity, pace, physicality and some arrogance. Qualities that did not just impress the Amakhosi supporters but left some of them on their feet.

While he nearly scored his first goal on his maiden appearance, Basomboli a 56^th minute substitute for the ineffective Bimenyimana, provided the assist for Chiefs’ second goal after finding Dolly in the box following a good run on the right wing.

That was after missing by just inches to connect with Dolly’s corner and also showed great pace and power to beat his makers before miskicking a few minutes later.

He ended the game with three attempts but his athleticism and ability to shrug off any challenges will give Chiefs fans reason to believe while Bimenyimana should be worried.

The speedster came in for Dolly with 16 minutes remaining and provided pace on the wing as Chiefs sought a second goal.

Nange replaced Shabalala with 16 minutes to go and acted as a calming presence in midfield as Chiefs sought to see out the game.

He was central to two attacking moves, passing well from deep but one such chance was not utilised by Basomboli.