The Soweto giants delivered a clinical performance in Polokwane, completing a league double over the relegation-threatened hosts while strengthening their hold on third place. Amakhosi now sit on 45 points from 23 matches, opening a six-point gap over fourth-placed AmaZulu as they push for continental qualification.

For Magesi, the defeat deepens their struggles at the foot of the table, leaving them with just 17 points from 24 games.

Chiefs started brightly and nearly found the breakthrough early on when Mduduzi Shabalala fired wide from distance. Magesi responded with a brief spell of pressure, but Thabang Sibanyoni squandered a couple of promising chances, failing to trouble goalkeeper Brandon Petersen.

The visitors made their dominance count just after the half-hour mark. Flavio da Silva capitalised on hesitant defending, controlling the ball before turning smartly to slot home his seventh league goal of the season.

Chiefs doubled their advantage eight minutes before the break in chaotic fashion, as Wandile Duba pounced after a defensive mix-up involving goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze to finish from close range.

Magesi's hopes of a comeback were dented further early in the second half, despite a more energetic start. Chiefs remained dangerous and went close through Thabiso Monyane, whose effort forced a good save from Chipezeze.

The game was effectively put to bed just after the hour mark when Shabalala capped an impressive display, finishing calmly after being picked out by substitute Reeve Frosler.

Magesi did manage a response midway through the second half, with Diteboho Mofokeng rising unmarked to head home and briefly reduce the deficit. However, any hopes of a turnaround were short-lived.

Substitute Khanyisa Mayo added the finishing touch in the closing stages, heading in Frosler's pinpoint cross for his first goal since September to restore Chiefs' three-goal cushion.

The result keeps Chiefs within touching distance of second-placed Orlando Pirates, while leaders Mamelodi Sundowns remain just out of reach at the summit. More importantly, Amakhosi have created breathing room in the race for CAF qualification.

They will look to extend their momentum when they face Polokwane City in their next league outing, while Magesi are left searching for answers as their relegation battle intensifies.

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