Success-starved Kaizer Chiefs back on winning trail

Kaizer Chiefs ended a three-match losing streak in the South African Premiership by defeating Royal AM 2-0 on Sunday.

A glancing header from Sifiso Hlanti off a free-kick gave the Johannesburg club a 60th-minute lead and an Ashley du Preez tap-in five minutes from time sealed their victory.

RECAP | PSL - Kaizer Chiefs v Royal AM

The win lifted Chiefs up two places to fifth - 25 points behind runaway leaders and defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns.

The match was the first of three which Chiefs, the most popular club in the country, have agreed to play in the northern city of Polokwane.

They reportedly will receive up to R1.5 million and 20 percent of the gate takings for each fixture from a local government eager to boost economic activity.

Winners of a record 54 domestic titles but without a trophy since 2015, Chiefs have also played home matches in the Indian Ocean port city of Durban.

Seven seasons without silverware has seen support for Chiefs in Johannesburg dwindle, apart from high-profile fixtures against fierce rivals Orlando Pirates, and the increasingly popular Sundowns.

Durban outfit Royal exceeded expectations in their maiden campaign last season, coming third and qualifying for the CAF Confederation Cup, the African equivalent of the Europa League.

But Malawian coach John Maduka surprisingly quit before this season began and the loss to Chiefs left them 12th, just three points above the relegation zone.

Elsewhere, an added-time goal from captain Katlego Maphathe salvaged a 1-1 draw for second-placed Richards Bay in a Durban derby against mid-table AmaZulu.

Thabo Qalinge had put the visitors ahead on 33 minutes, with his scuffed shot off a cross trickling past Ugandan goalkeeper Salim Magoola.

Nigerian Etiosa Ighodare