Steve eyes 20 points from 10 matches
Khune, Maluleka to return for SuperSport clash
Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela refuses to be consumed by the mounting pressure he’s under but has opted to rather focus on his target of collecting 20 points from their opening 10 matches.
Chiefs have not had the best start, having kicked off the new season with a loss against SuperSport United in the MTN8 quarterfinal and a draw against Bloemfontein Celtic in the Absa Premiership.
In his third season at the Naturena-based club, Komphela knows that anything less than silverware this season would spell disaster.
The Soweto heavyweights were held to a 1-1 draw against Celtic in their opening Absa Premiership match on Sunday.
Their problems could be compounded when they square off against SuperSport United at the FNB Stadium tomorrow.
“It’s clear, in every 15 games we need 30 points and each five [we need to] get 10. In the league the average [to win the title] is 60 points,” Komphela said.
“Those who are hovering around that figure, chances are will win the championship. Each match that’s two points.
“With 18 wins, six losses and six draws you will go through. Any team that can win all their 15 matches at home without doubt are going to be champions. We never lost at FNB last season, the only mistake was too many draws.”
After their 1-0 loss against Matsatsantsa in the top eight cup, another negative result could catapult Komphela straight into the fire. The former Bafana Bafana mentor is confident that this time around he has studied SuperSport well enough to know how to get the better of them.
“I think the only thing we need to monitor when we play SuperSport is to stay balanced at the back when we attack, for when they hit us with a direct counterattack. You will see even on Wednesday [tomorrow], the threat will always come after we have attacked. As soon as they regain possession we are ready to defend.”
Chiefs midfielder George Maluleka and goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune could make a return after Komphela confirmed they have recovered from injury and illness.