Relief for Steve as injuries lessen

Mphahlele, Moleko give coach ‘nice headache’

There’s no word yet from the Kaizer Chiefs management on whether they will strengthen the team in the January transfer window, but head coach Steve Komphela is relieved to have some of their injured players on the verge of returning to action.

Komphela guided Amakhosi to a 1-0 win over Platinum Stars in Rustenburg at the weekend. Siphiwe Tshabalala came off the bench to head home the winner.

Chiefs have not been convincing this season, but then again the fact that they’ve had so many injuries hasn’t helped their cause.

They are almost at full strength, with Komphela confirming that Kgotso Moleko [knee] and Ramahlwe Mphahlele [knee] will be ready in January, which will give him more options.

Experienced left-back Tsepo Masilela, who has been battling an ankle injury, is expected back soon.

“I think they will come back. Moleko has come back and he has started to train. Rama as well has started gaining fitness and we are just at the final stage of their protocols. We should have them in January and it would be a headache of what do you do with Philani [Zulu], Rama, Moleko and [Joseph] Molangoane, which is a nice one,” he said.

On the January transfer window, Komphela said, “No, no, the word [from management] has not come yet … but obviously we still have our eyes open and we are still checking on possibilities.”

Meanwhile, Komphela was happy with the win against Stars away, but acknowledged that they can do better in their next game against Ajax Cape Town at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

“We were fighting for three points to give us the confidence, because you know how it is; if you don’t win, no matter how good you play, your confidence gets knocked,” he added.

We were fighting for three points to give us the confidence Steve Komphela KAIZER CHIEFS COACH