Chiefs maintain bright start under Tunisian coach Nabi

Ranga Chivaviro, Uruguayan Gaston Sirino and Angolan Inacio Miguel scored in the first half in Durban before Nigerian Etiosa Ighodaro pulled one goal back just after half-time.

Johannesburg-based Chiefs have won a record 53 domestic trophies, but none in the past nine seasons, leading to Nabi being hired from Moroccan club FAR Rabat.

Victory over AmaZulu, coupled with a first-round win at Marumo Gallants, places Chiefs fourth, behind title-holders Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates and Golden Arrows on goal difference.

Chiefs host Sundowns on Saturday in the first major test for a team Nabi says is "under construction with a lot to learn".

While the Tunisian will have been thrilled by a whirlwind start that saw Chiefs build a three-goal lead within 23 minutes, the second half showing was cause for concern.

After Ighodaro netted, AmaZulu hit the woodwork twice against opponents who lacked the aggression displayed in the opening half.

SuperSport TV analyst and former Tottenham Hotspur defender Bongani Khumalo criticised Chiefs for their "poor mentality after the break and being too casual".

Sundowns and Pirates flexed their muscles on Tuesday with three-goal home victories over Gallants and Polokwane City, respectively.

Pirates left it late to confirm their superiority in Soweto, though, with Evidence Makopa doubling the lead on 85 minutes and scoring again in added time.

Bottom club Gallants fell behind after nine minutes when Tashreef Matthews scored, and Brazilian Lucas Ribero was another scorer for Sundowns, who are seeking an eighth-straight title.

Promoted Magesi were heading for a shock 1-0 win at Golden Arrows near Durban with just four minutes of regular time remaining when floodlight failure forced play to be abandoned.

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