Komphela desperate for action
I WANT TO PLAY AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE New players, youngsters are getting game time.
Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela wants to play a few friendly matches as he gets his team ready for the new season.
Amakhosi will have their work cut out for them as fans expect the team to curb the downward trend of the past two seasons where the side finished without silverware.
Speaking after successfully guiding the Glamour Boys to a Bokone Bophirima Maize Cup title at the weekend, Komphela said if he could he would play as many matches as possible.
Chiefs began their pre-season training two weeks ago and got a chance to show their fans what they have been working on ahead of the new season.
They ran riot at the James Motlatsi Stadium beating Botswanan team, Township Rollers, 2-0 in the semi-finals before scoring a 1-0 win over Free State Stars in the final to add the Maize Cup to their trophy cabinet.
“Most of the work in the beginning is more to set a base, more physical and maybe slightly technical. We had about three days of tactical work.
“I strongly believe we need more matches before the 29th. We have a practice match to play in Botswana on Saturday. We don’t have much time, we will need about two other matches… we will see how it goes,” said Komphela.
Amakhosi have a taxing Carling Black Label Cup fixture against Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates on July 29 and although the starting team will be selected by the fans through voting, Komphela has to ensure the players are ready.
Komphela gave new players and youngsters from the development set-up a chance to play at the tournament but the Chiefs mentor says it is important to allow them time to settle in and gel with the team.
“I think Philani Zulu did well, and the youngster Kgotso Malope came in and he did well as well. It was nice to see Gustavo Paez scoring, those are positives. Teenage Hadebe also did well in his first time playing with this team and he performed like that. From me he gets 8/10,” he added.