A brace by Gustavo Paez helped Kaizer Chiefs claim a 2-0 victory over Township Rollers in the Bokone Bophirima Maize Cup semi-finals on Saturday, writes Dylan Appolis.

Amakhosi coach Steve Komphela handed new signings Bhongolwethu Jayiya and Teenage Hadebe their first starts in the semi-final encounter.

The Glamour Boys got off to a bright start and opened the scoring in the 18th minute when Bernard Park set up Gustavo Paez, who slotted the ball into the net to make it 1-0.

Rollers started seeing more of the ball as the match went on, but poor decision-making in the final third let them down.

The Venezuelan striker nearly got his second of the day when he fired an effort at goal, but he was denied by a great save from Keeagile Kgosipula of Rollers.

Both sides struggled to create clear-cut opportunities in the finals third as the match remained 1-0 in favour of Amakhosi.

The Glamour Boys came out with intent in the second half as Hendrick Ekstein fired a low on target, but the Rollers shot-stopper was on hand to make the save after good work by Tsepo Masilela.

Komphela opted to make his first change in the 70th minute when he introduced Kgotso Malope to replace Jayiya.

Meanwhile, the Rollers grew in confidence and started seeing more of the ball as they pressed forward in search of an equalising goal.

Amakhosi were then awarded a penalty in the 80th minute when Tsepo Masilela was brought down in the area. Paez stepped up to convert the spot-kick to make it 2-0.

Komphela introduced Edmore Chirambadare, who replaced veteran striker Bernard Parker on attack for Chiefs.

However, Chiefs held on to their two goal lead until the final whistle to book a spot in the final against Free State Stars, which kicks off at 16:00.