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Chiefs claim back-to-back wins with Stars success

Philani Zulu of Kaizer Chiefs celebrates goal with teammates Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

Kaizer Chiefs have secured back-to-back victories in the Absa Premiership to rise to third in the table after a comfortable 2-0 success at Free State Stars in Bethlehem on Tuesday.

Venezuelan forward Gustavo Paez and winger Philani Zulu netted the goals for Chiefs, who rarely looked troubled by a Stars side now battling at near the foot of the table.

Chiefs have not lost away to Ea Lla Koto since 2010 and they never looked like losing this one as they followed Saturday's 4-12 away success at Cape Town City with another three points.

Coach Giovanni Solinas could even afford to make seven changes to his starting line-up, handing debuts to defenders Mario Booysen and Ugandan international Godfrey Walusimbi, while Madagascan forward Dax came on late to also make his bow.

After what was a difficult start to the season, Chiefs appear to finally be hitting their straps and once again Khama Billiat proved crucial in pulling the strings.

It was his superb through-ball that set Paez in behind the Stars defence midway through the first half and the striker netted his first goal since April to send the visitors on their way.

Chiefs were using their width well and they added a second goal when Pule Ekstein collected the ball on the right and his cross made it all the way to left-winger Zulu, who thundered his shot into the net.

Having waited over two years for a PSL goal, Zulu now has two in as many games.

There was little to enthuse over for the home side, Goodman Dlamini hit the side-netting, Paulus Masehe shot over from distance and Eleazar Rodgers might have done better when he blazed over the bar from inside the box.

Chiefs will look to make it a hat-trick of wins when they host AmaZulu on Saturday night, while Stars entertain Highlands Park on the same evening.