Coach Komphela’s tactics spot on

few minutes where Chiefs soaked up the Mamelodi Sundowns attack and eventually watered it down. Ngezana broke the deadlock five minutes into the second half.

His performance was surely inspired by those around him who were under the microscope to step up for their beleaguered coach Komphela.

Until Mathoho mistimed his tackle late in the game, fouling Percy Tau and leaving referee Christopher Harrison with no choice but to point to the penalty spot, which was converted by Themba Zwane to pull one back for Sundowns, the Chiefs back three had been superb in dealing with the Brazilians’ deadly attack.

Amakhosi had also used their chances to good effect and had punished Sundowns again with Bernard Parker showing composure to bag a second for the visitors.

Parker himself was one of the players singled out and was due to take some responsibility at a time when Komphela was taking all the criticism.

Komphela’s tactics yesterday were spot on, stifling Sundowns from being their creative self and closing down the pockets they use to finish off the opposition. The Brazilians finished the game with just nine men after Tiyani Mabunda was shown two yellow cards shortly after the hour mark and substitute striker Cuthbert Malajila leaving the pitch on a stretcher after an injury.

Komphela goes from the frying pan and into the fire on Saturday in the Soweto derby, but this massive victory certainly buys him time.