Kaizer Chiefs answered a week of talk with action at FNB Stadium, beating TS Galaxy 3-0 to advance in the Carling Knockout Cup. Wandile Duba scored all three goals and claimed the first hat-trick of the competition.

The Amakhosi needed this result badly. They arrived winless in five matches and still smarting from a penalty shootout exit against Red Arrows in the Confederation Cup on Friday. Pressure was building on coach Fernando Da Cruz. Sporting director Kaizer Motaung Junior stood by his man and called rumours of a move for Manqoba Mngqithi “complete lies.” Captain Reeve Frosler had promised the team would put their best foot forward and chase silverware. On the night they did exactly that.

TS Galaxy, known as the Rockets, had spent the week taunting Chiefs on social media. Coach Esau Mtsweni’s side even reminded everyone of their 2009 Nedbank Cup final win over Amakhosi. After a tight first half, Galaxy looked set to push the game to penalties. Duba had other ideas. He opened the scoring in the 48th minute. When the Galaxy goalkeeper saved a Chiefs penalty, Duba reacted quickly to make it 2-0 in the 62nd minute. Four minutes later he completed his hat-trick in the 66th minute.

His third goal came with a clear message. Duba celebrated with hand gestures that told Galaxy they talk too much but do not walk the talk. The gesture captured the mood perfectly after a week of noise from the visitors.

Chiefs fans finally had something to cheer about. The win keeps the team in the competition and puts a cheque of close to R7 million within reach. More importantly, it restores belief after a difficult run. The next assignment is the Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates. Amakhosi will go into that fixture with a much-needed boost in confidence and a clean sheet to build on.

For now, the talking stops with Duba’s three goals. Chiefs did their talking where it matters most — on the pitch. The result ends the immediate pressure on Da Cruz and gives the squad momentum heading into the biggest domestic fixture of the season. Galaxy’s week of words ended in a quiet 3-0 defeat, while Wandile Duba walked away as the clear man of the match.

Source: https://x.com/MDNnewss/status/2115163962299863075