Kaizer Chiefs secured their spot in the Telkom Knockout quarter-finals with a resounding 3-0 victory against AmaZulu at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday night, writes MARSHALL GOUTS.

Chiefs XI: 32 Khune, 4 Cardoso, 3 Mathoho, 30 Ngezana, 22 Zulu, 31 Katsande, 12 Maluleka, 27 Ekstein, 14 Tshabalala, 23 Molongoane, 25 Parker.

AmaZulu XI: 31 Pule, 11 Mbatha, 24 Sikhakhane, 25 P Gumede, 17 M Gumede, 6 Ncube, 33 Darpoh, 8 Ncubeni, 9 Cele, 2 Khenyeza, 16 Manzini.

The home side almost found themselves in a spot of bother as early as the third minute when Rhulani Manzini was put through on goal, only to be denied by excellent goalekeeping from Itumeleng Khune.

Chiefs gradually started to find their rhythym, but it was AmaZulu who enjoyed the better opportunities as Mabhuti Khenyeza almost scored in the 23rd minute after he twisted and turned to create space for himself in the box, only to scuff his shot wide of goal.

Chiefs’ defence struggled to deal with the attacking threat imposed by the visitors, but AmaZulu were unable to find the back of the net.

The Soweto giants broke the deadlock when George Maluleka’s long-range effort deflected over goalkeeper Boalefa Pule.

The goal spurred Chiefs into life and Hendrick Ekstein should have doubled his side’s lead after initially rounding the goalkeeper, only for his effort to be saved by the shot-stopper.

Chiefs went into the half-time break with a one-goal lead.

The second half started in similar vein to the first and Ekstein doubled his side’s advantage in the 55th minute when his shot deflected past the goalkeeper.

Chiefs all but wrapped up the encounter three minutes later when Siphiwe Tshbalala capitalised on poor clearance to fire home.

AmaZulu posed little threat to Chiefs’ advantage in the remaining minutes of the encounter as Chiefs secured their spot in the quarter-finals of the Telkom Knockout.

Photo: Muzi Ntombela/Backpagepix