The victory over the third-placed Amakhosi saw Siwelele climb to ninth on the log with four games remaining. More importantly, they crossed the 30-point mark to secure their top-flight status, and are now within striking distance of the top eight - and a coveted place in next season’s MTN8.

Chiefs arrived in Bloemfontein brimming with confidence after a seven-match unbeaten run, but they were caught cold by a fired-up home side. Siwelele came out with real intent and, inside the opening half hour, had already done the damage through well-taken goals by Tebogo Potsane and Sphesihle Jeza.

The win not only ended Siwelele’s four-match winless streak, but also breathed new life into their campaign as they pushed into the top-half conversation. Chiefs, meanwhile, remain third, still holding a five-point cushion over AmaZulu FC in the race for CAF Confederation Cup qualification.

The hosts made a blistering start at the Toyota Stadium, breaking the deadlock after just seven minutes. Former Bloemfontein Celtic and Chiefs winger Potsane reacted quickest after Ghampani Lungu sparked a move down the left. His delivery found Manelisi Mazibuko, whose initial effort was well saved by Brandon Petersen, but Potsane was on hand to bury the rebound.

A minute earlier, Jeza had already found the back of the net, but his effort was ruled out - a warning sign Chiefs failed to heed.

Sphesihle Jeza's first goal was denied in the fifth minute. Photo: Morgan Piek

Siwelele continued to threaten and doubled their lead in the 26th minute. Lungu was again instrumental, bursting down the flank before squaring unselfishly for Jeza, who kept his composure under pressure from Aden McCarthy and Petersen to net his first senior goal.

Backed by a lively crowd, Siwelele carried momentum into the break and could easily have extended their advantage, while Chiefs were left searching for answers after a flat first half.

The visitors showed more urgency after the restart, introducing fresh legs and a sharper attacking edge. Wandile Duba came close early in the second half, only to be denied by Ricardo Goss, who produced a solid display between the posts.

Chiefs felt hard done by when Glody Lilepo went down in the box under a challenge from Yandisa Mfolozi, but their penalty appeals were waved away. Despite enjoying more possession, Amakhosi struggled to convert pressure into clear-cut chances.

Their best opportunity came late on when Lilepo unleashed a powerful strike from the edge of the box, forcing Goss into an acrobatic save. Moments later, Chiefs were left to rue another missed chance as Inácio Miguel headed wide from a promising corner.

That proved to be their final opportunity, as Siwelele held firm to secure a fully deserved victory in front of their home fans.

Tebogo Potsane opened the scoring a minute after Jeza's first goal was turned down. Photo: Morgan Piek

Following the win, Siwelele coach Lehlohonolo Seema told OFM Sport that the team’s ambitions have shifted, with a top-eight finish now firmly in their sights.

“We had to make sure that, before we think of anything else, we first make sure that the team is safe,” said the former Bloemfontein Celtic and Orlando Pirates captain.

“Now, after that, let’s see - it’s four games to go. We’re a team that likes to give ourselves goals, and like I’ve said to you, the sooner the better, the quicker the better, we get to 30 points so that we can plan our life after that.

Yandisa Mfolozi and Asanele Velebayi. Photo: Morgan Piek

“So now, what you’re saying here, it’s another goal, and definitely me and the players will set it for ourselves. It will be a very big thing for us this season to be in the top eight, and I can tell the supporters that that is now our aim. I can proudly say that now, yes, we are gunning for the top eight.

“Let’s see how far we can go. If it’s there for the taking, we’ll go. It’s not easy - every team is playing now, they have a lot of points ahead of us - but I can tell you that we’re not going to make it easy. We’re not going to relax now that we are safe - no, no. Definitely now we are smelling blood of the top eight, and that smells nice!”

Both teams return to PSL action next week, with Siwelele hosting Durban City in Bloemfontein, while Chiefs face a tough away test against Mamelodi Sundowns in Pretoria.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvdw