DECEMBER 2000 SPORT HEADLINES

Monday, January 22, 2001 - Web posted at 12:36:30 PM GMT

Ouseb scores as Chiefs hammer Ria Stars

PIETERSBURG - Kaizer Chiefs handed down a 4-1 drubbing to Ria Stars in a fast flowing Castle Premier League match at Pietersburg Stadium yesterday.

The visitors were a far better side compared to Stars who looked like real rookies despite having a number of seasoned players.

Ignoring a light drizzle, Chiefs were outstanding throughout the proceedings.

After missing a flood of inviting scoring opportunities in the opening minutes of the game, Amakhosi finally found the net through Jabu Pule in the 24th minute.

Pule, who had a great game, capitalised on Stars disjointed defence when he scored after a solo effort.

Stars replied through substitute Thembinkosi Biyela after he received a pass from Thabang Lebese in the 33rd minute to make the half time score 1-1.

As in the first half, Chiefs started the second stanza with composure.

Siyabonga Nomvete put Amakhosi in the lead from a Patrick Mbuthu pass in the 70th minute.

At this stage it was clear that Stars were heading to their first defeat after the Christmas break as Chiefs moved into top gear.

It came as no surprise when Pule scored his second goal putting Chiefs further ahead in the 80th minute.

As the supporters, who came in droves, started leaving the stadium, Mohammed Ouseb scored the final goal for Chiefs to secure an impressive 4-1 victory.

On Saturday defending champions Sundowns scored a hard-fought 2-1 win over title rivals Orlando Pirates in a tense league clash played at the FNB stadium on Saturday.

There was little to choose between the sides in a closely fought first half that only came to life in the last few minutes.

But a well placed header from Sundowns midfield general Roger Feutmba in the 42nd minute was enough to give the PSL champions a 1-0 lead at the break.

Defensively both sides played it very tight.

Bucs almost got the breakthrough in the 20th minute but keeper Ronnie Kanalelo denied Jerry Sikhosana a goal when he raced off his goal line and snuffed out the danger.

Bucs former Malawian captain and midfield playmaker Ernest Chirwali impressed on his debut and brought out the best in Kanalelo in the 31st minute when the Namibian international was forced to dive full stretch to pouch Chirwali's spectacular 35 metre free kick.

Daniel Mudau almost made it 2-0 three minutes form time but his shot inched past the post.

A minute form the break Bucs dented the Downs upright in succession when firstly Chirwali's shot cannoned off the post and then Dennis Lota hit the upright from the rebound.

Downs piled on the pressure after the break and it took a desperate save from Johnson to deny Alex Bapela a goal in the 59th minute.

But the Bucs 'keeper was helpless a minute later when Bapela and Feutmba combined to set up Raphael Chukwu who made no mistake with a clinical finish to make it 2-0.

But Pirates stand-in captain Brandon Silent reduced the deficit in the 64th minute when he scored from an easy tap in after Kanalelo did well to block substitute Pollen Ndlanya shot.

However, Ndlanya looked to be in an offside position when he collected the ball.

- Nampa-Sapa

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