Chiefs’ hopes hit by defeat at City
PREMIERSHIP RACE: TINKLER’S MEN STRENGTHEN GRIP
Komphela happy with the quality of his players in Cape Town.
Kaizer Chiefs could find themselves in a situation where they jump from the frying pan into the fire. Steve Komphela’s team’s charge for the Absa Premiership title suffered a huge blow with defeat to Cape Town City on Tuesday, and could be in further trouble when they face a resurgent SuperSport United at the Mbombela Stadium tomorrow.
While Amakhosi have lost two in a row both in cup and league, Matsatsantsa have curbed their losing streak and won two in a row now. Stuart Baxter’s team had been on a downward spiral, losing two in a row against Mamelodi Sundowns but claimed two big scalps in their last two.
Matsatsantsa knocked Amakhosi out of the Nedbank Cup last weekend and followed that up with a big win over title-chasers Bidvest Wits on Tuesday.
Komphela however remains resolute despite growing pressure which might see the return of calls for his head should the team fail to beat SuperSport.
“Giving up is not an option,” he said after the 3-2 defeat to City. “We will keep fighting to the end.”
Komphela had previously expressed concern that the loss to Matsatsantsa in the Ke Yona cup may have more negative reactions than nullifying their chance at some silverware. He said it could knock the team’s confidence.
However, his team were not short in confidence against Eric Tinkler’s side and could have won had they taken their chances.
“We played to our full capability. Credit to the players because they did their best,” he said.
Komphela was happy with the quality of the two goals his team scored in Cape Town, and described them as world-class. But what was more admirable with them was that they were team goals, which gives him some hope.
“Look at the goals we scored. They were from inside the box, well worked out and exquisite material,” he enthused.
Komphela will be looking for more of the same with a different result tomorrow. Amakhosi cannot afford another defeat if they are to avoid finishing another season without silverware.