Tough start for Amakhosi

Embattled Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela couldn’t have asked for a tougher start to the new year than facing in-form SuperSport United in a league clash in Nelspruit tomorrow.

Part of Kaizer Chiefs chairman Kaizer Motaung’s message for the New Year came with an admission that Amakhosi had a woeful 2017.

Chiefs continue to endure a barren spell under Steve Komphela (right) as he enters a fourth calendar year at the helm of the Naturena-based side and is yet to deliver any silverware.

Motaung appears to be a prisoner of hope, as he is confident Chiefs can still finish the season with something to add to their glittering trophy cabinet – he believes Amakhosi still stand a chance of winning the somewhat unpredictable Absa Premiership – where they trail leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by six points, while they also still have the Nedbank Cup to play for.

However, if Chiefs are to show any signs of steering their ship towards the promised land, Komphela will need a fast start to 2018, which opens for Amakhosi with a trip tomorrow to Nelspruit to face SuperSport United.

The two teams square off at United’s home-away-from-home at the Mbombela Stadium.

Matsatsantsa capped off their 2017 with a 1-1 draw against Bloemfontein Celtic in the City of Roses. However, SuperSport’s last few games before the end of last year can be summarised as below their usual standards.

The capital city-based side have failed to win any of their last five league encounters, losing two league games backto-back for the first time since January 2016.

Chiefs have been busy bolstering their side in the January transfer window, bringing in Colombian striker Leonardo Castro from Sundowns and this week announced the signing of Kabelo Mahlasela from Bloemfontein Celtic.

Castro will certainly not play against SuperSport, as he is still awaiting his work permit.