Outgoing Zimbabwe national team captain scored a beauty as Kaizer Chiefs thumped Free State Stars 3-1 at FNB Stadium on Tuesday night to move into third on the ABSA Premiership table.

Stalwarts Siphiwe Tshabalala and Bernard Parker were also on target in a game that Katsande’s fellow Zimbabwean and former Chicken Inn winger Edmore Chirambadare played 58 minutes.

There was no game time for Michelle Katsvairo who also played alongside Chirambadare for 2015 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions Chicken Inn back in Bulawayo - Zimbabwe’s second largest city.

Former South Africa national team midfielder Tshabalala opened the scoring against his former club with a superb free-kick from 25 yards in the 18th minute.

Parker then struck around the half-hour mark on the rebound after his penalty was saved by goalkeeper Thela Ngobeni, who earlier fouled Chirambadare in the area.

Stars debutant Mohammed Anas nearly pulled one back in the 41st minute, but his deflected shot hit the far post and went out.

Amakhosi coach Steve Komphela handed new signing Gustavo Paez his debut in the 59th minute, with the Venezuelan striker taking the place of Chirambadare.

Four minutes later Zimbabwean workhorse Katsande made it 3-0 for the hosts with a fine solo effort.

Ea Lla Koto managed to reduce the deficit when ex-Orlando Pirates defender Rooi Mahamutsa netted with a free-kick in the 73rd minute.

However, Serame Letsoaka's side were unable to make further inroads in his first assignment since taking over the reins from Giovanni Solinas in January.

A third straight win for the Glamour Boys lifted them above SuperSport United - who host Golden Arrows on Wednesday - to third on the table with 27 points from 16 games - a point behind Cape Town City and Bidvest Wits.

Stars remain in 14th place with 14 points from 16 matches - a point above the drop zone.

TEAMS

Kaizer Chiefs: Khune, Mphahlele, Mathoho, Gordinho, Khumalo, Katsande, Maluleka (Baloyi 85'), Tshabalala, Chirambadare (Paez 58'), Molongoane, Parker (Twala 79')
Free State Stars: Ngobeni, Mbhele, Okumu, Tlhone, Mahamutsa, Dlamini (Nono 57'), Venter (Potsane 68'), Vilakazi, Makhaula, Thethani, Anas