Zimbabwean Msendami scores to shock Kaizer Chiefs

JOHANNESBURG - Zimbabwean Daniel Msendami scored direct from a free-kick close to the sideline to give Marumo Gallants a shock 2-1 South African Premiership victory at Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday.

The flighted 70th-minute kick evaded everybody in a crowded goalmouth, hit the ground and then bounced over goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg.

Marumo had trailed to an early goal from Congolese Makabi Lilepo and levelled before half-time through 36-year-old Matome Mathiane.

"That was a crucial goal for my team and a special moment for me," Msendami told reporters after scoring his third of the league campaign.

"It was a very, very big victory for us. We needed it to move away from the relegation zone. I am thrilled."

Securing maximum points lifted Bloemfontein-based Gallants to 30 points from 26 matches, seven more than bottom club Cape Town City.

Gallants have undergone a revival since Moroccan coach Abdeslam Ouaddou took charge last month, winning four and drawing three of 10 matches in all competitions.

"Our mental approach was vital. We did not come here to participate, we came to win. Our defending was superb after conceding some soft goals recently," said Ouaddou.

The shock home loss saw Chiefs slip to ninth, ahead of Gallants only on goal difference, after a winless Premiership run extended to six matches.

Finishing among the top eight clubs is important as it secures entry to a lucrative early season knockout competition carrying a winners-take-all 10 million rand ($535,000) prize.

Triple former champions SuperSport United moved one place off the bottom after drawing 1-1 at Polokwane City, who have managed just one win in 12 matches in all competitions.

Both goals came in the first half. Congolese Christian Saile nodded SuperSport in front and Lebohang Nkaki equalised from a penalty.