By SANDRA MWILA –
ZAMBIAN striker Lewis Macha scored his debut goal as Kaizer Chiefs defeated Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates 2-0 at FNB Stadium to claim just their second Carling Black Label Champion Cup title.
And Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela has backed his assembly of strikers ahead of the new season and admits he is spoilt for choice upfront.
Macha, who joined Chiefs In June from Mozambican side Ferroviaro De Maputo where he was to scorer with 10 goals, came on as a substitute in the 88th minute for Hendrick Ekstein and wrapped up victory for side five minutes into stoppage time.
Defender Erick Mathoho reacted quickest in the 58th minute to a Bernard Parker rebound which hit the crossbar and provided a classy volleyed finish to put his side into the lead.
Pirates threw men forward in the dying minutes in search of an equaliser and they were hit by a second goal deep in injury time, with the energetic William Twala picking out debutant Macha with a fine cross from the right.
The Zambian converted with a well-placed header to make it 2-0 and seal the deal for Amakhosi.
Kickoff.com reports that Komphela admitted that he was spoilt for choice but said that starting places will depend largely on form, while he hopes that whoever plays contributes at least one goal per appearance.
“I’m looking at how we plucked the players, based on our structure and how we play. We’re playing one leading striker with a number 10 joining in,” said the former Maritzburg United mentor.
“I’ll count the number of strikers: Macha, Letlotlo, Katsvairo, Moon, Manqele, Mthembu, eh… The list is going on and on, you must choose one.
“You have to identify the ones who will do a job for you; quantity vs quality. All these players are quality, but it will be a question of rank and file; who’s on form?” he said.
Macha will be hoping to get a starting place when Chiefs next compete in the F.A.M.E Charity Cup on August 6.