Both teams came into the encounter seeking their first league win of the season after two defeats and a draw for Amakhosi, and three goalless stalemates for Pablo Franco Martin’s side.

But it was the Soweto giants who started with the intent as returning Ashley du Preez, who was ruled out of their clash against TS Galaxy due to flu, showing real intensity to set up a third-minute opener from Pule Mmodi.

Despite the blistering start, Chiefs’ strong start didn’t translate into any dominance as AmaZulu held the bulk of possession and Mmodi’s effort proved to be one of only two shots on target for the opening 45 minutes.

Martin’s side probed in the early stages of the second half but just before the hour mark, Chiefs doubled their lead with a devastating counter-attack which involved Mduduzi Mdantsane, Du Preez, Tebogo Postsane and Mmodi finishing the move off in style.

Despite several substitutions from both sides in the final 20 minutes, Chiefs added another goal through Castillo to move up to the 11th spot on the log while the Durban-based outfit are still without a win, or goal in their first four games and languishing in the 13th spot.

Amakhosi next face Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-final on Saturday the 2nd of September 2023.