Gutsy Swallows end Chiefs' winning run

Kaizer Chiefs' eight-match Absa Premiership winning run was brought to an end when they were held 1-1 by Moroka Swallows in a Soweto derby at FNB Stadium last night.

A banner was held by Chiefs' players celebrating chairman Kaizer Motaung's 70th birthday. But former player Lucky Baloyi seemed intent on ruining the party with a 28th-minute strike for Swallows.

Reneilwe Letsholonyane earned Chiefs a point with his fifth league goal in the 67th minute. Chiefs were as much to blame as they were unusually wasteful in front of goal.

Chiefs started lethargically. By the 25th minute shots from range by Mulomowandau Mathoho and Letsholonyane far from troubled Birds' goalkeeper Greg Etafia.

If Amakhosi needed a sting to get them into the game, it was provided by Baloyi. Collecting a half-cleared ball metres outside Chiefs' area, the midfielder smacked a drive past keeper Brilliant Khuzwayo.

Chiefs struggled to create chances early in the second half. Siboniso Gaxa's free-kick was knocked back in by Mandla Masango at the far post, for Letsholonyane to volley past Etafia at close range.

Swallows' caretaker coach Fani Madida made eight changes to the side that lost 3-2 to Mpumalanga Black Aces on Saturday.

• Bidvest Wits allowed their home record to be tainted by early relegation candidates Polokwane City when they suffered a shock 2-0 defeat last night, Mazola Molefe reports from Bidvest Wits Stadium.

City struck three minutes before referee Victor Gomes blew his whistle for interval when their talisman Puleng Tlolane burst through the middle and took the initiative to break the deadlock.

Shortly after the break, City struck again and put the game beyond reach for Wits with a second goal from Boban Bogere.

Ajax Cape Town survived a spirited late onslaught from Platinum Stars to secure three points with a 2-1 victory in Cape Town last night, Nick Said reports. Stars profited from a Rivaldo Coetzee own goal with 12 minutes remaining.

It is now no league wins in six games for Allan Freese's side.

Ajax asserted their dominance early and were deservedly ahead on 16 minutes. Cecil Lolo netted the opener with a 25-yard shot that beat Stars goalkeeper Kabelo Dambe at his near post.

The second goal 12 minutes later was pure simplicity. Franklin Cale clipped a free-kick to the back post where Tashreeq Morris connected with a low shot to score. There was not a defender in sight.

• Mamelodi Sundowns were held to a second successive draw as Chippa United came back to hold the champions to a 1-1 draw in Port Elizabeth, Mark Gleeson reports.

A quick counter-attack in the 30th minute led to Cuthbert Malajila claiming his fourth league goal of the season as he slid home a square pass from Khama Billiat, to give Sundowns the lead.

But Chippa were richly rewarded when Thami Sangweni equalised on the hour from the penalty spot after William Thwala was fouled on the edge of the box. Sangweni is on loan from Sundowns.

• Supersport United were hammered 4-1 by Maritzburg United, their first loss under Gordon Igesund in his four league matches, writes Sbu Mjikeliso.

Terrence Mandaza netted a double, and Mondli Cele and Mohammed Anas converted one each in the second half for Steve Khomphela's side. Lebogang Manyama scored for Mantsantsansa.