Mduduzi Shabalala of Kaizer Chiefs celebrates scoring against Orbit College. The Amakhosi showed great character to come from behind and secure a 3-1 win over Orbit College in Gqeberha. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
Kaizer Chiefs came from behind to defeat Orbit College 3-1 in a Betway Premiership clash at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Monday afternoon, securing a third consecutive victory to climb into third place — albeit it briefly depending on the result between AmaZulu and Sekhukhune United.
The result underlined Amakhosi’s growing momentum in the final stretch of the season, while Orbit’s relegation concerns deepened after another damaging defeat left them stuck in 15th position. Following the Fifa international break, the match began at a lively tempo, with Chiefs dominating possession early but struggling to impose themselves in the final third.
Orbit, by contrast, looked dangerous whenever they broke forward.
The hosts nearly made a dream start inside the opening minutes when Thabang Mahlangu danced past defenders before firing a shot that struck the base of the upright — an early warning for Chiefs.
Orbit’s positive start was rewarded in the 22nd minute through Mbule Wagaba.
A well-delivered set-piece found the defender at the far post, and while his initial intention appeared to be a pull-back, goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma misjudged the ball and fumbled it into his own net. Despite enjoying the majority of possession, Chiefs struggled to break down a compact Orbit side. Their build-up play was neat, but lacked penetration, with the final pass often missing.
The equaliser eventually arrived in the 42nd minute through Wandile Duba. The in-form forward turned sharply inside the box after receiving a pass from Bradley Cross before powering his effort past Cyril Chibwe to bring Chiefs level heading into the break.
That goal shifted the momentum.
Chiefs emerged stronger in the second half, moving the ball with greater urgency and committing more players forward. Their attacking play became more direct, and Orbit began to lose their earlier defensive structure.
The turnaround was completed in the 68th minute when Mduduzi Shabalala found the net. Thabiso Monyane surged down the flank before delivering a low cross into the box, where Duba cleverly dummied, allowing Shabalala to arrive unmarked and finish into the bottom corner.
With the lead secured, Chiefs grew in confidence and began to control the tempo of the match. They added a third goal in the 78th minute, with substitutes combining effectively. Flavio Silva provided a well-weighted pass for Siphesihle Ndlovu, who finished calmly to seal the result.
It was a clinical second-half performance from Amakhosi, who showed improved sharpness and composure when it mattered most. For Orbit, the defeat highlighted familiar issues — a bright start undone by lapses in concentration and an inability to sustain pressure over 90 minutes.
Chiefs will now look to build on their momentum when they face TS Galaxy next, while Orbit turn their attention to a crucial relegation clash against Marumo Gallants as the battle for survival intensifies.
Orbit College (1) 1
Wagaba 22
Kaizer Chiefs (1) 3
Duba 42, Shabalala 68, Ndlovu 78