CHIEFS DOWN(S) PITSO’S BOYS
MAIDEN WIN: COACH KOMPHELA FINALLY SINKS MOSIMANE’S BRAZILIANS
Soumahoro howler gives Amakhosi a surprise victory.
Kaizer Chiefs successfully jumped over the first hurdle when they beat Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 in an Absa Premiership match at FNB Stadium on Saturday night as they got the ball rolling in what will be a do-or-die month for the Naturena team.
Steve Komphela’s team play three of the teams in the Premiership title race in April, and Sundowns were technically their toughest opponents this month, so the victory will serve as great motivation.
The win was Komphela’s first against Sundowns since taking over at the Glamour Boys almost two years ago, but he said he was not too concerned about personal achievement.
“Those who know me will tell you it’s not about me, I don’t want it – look at the people (fans), this is unbelievable.
“If by any chance you are given an opportunity to be in a leadership position, and you’re looking at the position and forgetting the mission, then you are on the wrong track.
“Each day of our lives, as we go to Naturena, whatever happens on the road – any setback we suffer is for the sake of this,” said the 49-year-old mentor.
The win over Masandawana took the Glamour Boys to second position, although Cape Town City would push them back to third if they win against Chippa United tonight.
Amakhosi have City and SuperSport United along with Chippa United and Bloemfontein Celtic still to play this month.
Veteran striker Bernard Parker got Amakhosi back into contention with an equaliser in the 34th minute after Khama Billiat – back from a lengthy injury lay-off – had put the visitors in the lead in the 26th.
A defensive error saw Bangaly Soumahoro gifted Amakhosi the three points as he scored an own goal with 12 minutes left.
Komphela acknowledged the importance of the win, as it took some pressure off his team who were on a downward spiral last month as they managed just three of a possible nine points in March.
Pitso Mosimane, whose team are looking to continue their trophy haul, admitted defeat and said his team were still in the race despite the bruising defeat. “We lost to a good team… It’s not the end of the day. There’s still time. These things happen and we scored an own goal,” said Mosimane.
He added that it was a game they should have – and needed – to win.
The African champions will be back in action again on Wednesday in a league match against Bloemfontein Celtic.
Amakhosi’s next match is a Nedbank Cup clash against ABC Motsepe League side Acornbush United at Kabokweni Stadium outside Nelspruit on Saturday afternoon.