The Citizen (KZN)

Steve: Let battle commence

CRUNCH GAME: COACH REALLY FANCIES HIS TEAM’S CHANCES OF UPSETTING LEADERS SUNDOWNS

- Sibongisen­i Gumbi

The club’s latest signings are making good contributi­ons.

Kaizer Chiefs have declared war on Mamelodi Sundowns ahead of this weekend’s crunch Absa Premiershi­p showdown as coach, Steve Komphela tries to arrest a barren two-and-a-half year run.

Komphela’s team are the talk of the town after successive comefrom-behind wins which sees them perched five points behind

Masandawan­a in third. “We said it last week … we said it’s now game on. It’s show-time all the way now. It is that time of the year, it’s squeaky bum time. It’s going to be very interestin­g. Sundowns are doing well, and we are also doing well,” said Komphela after guiding a resurgent Amakhosi to a 2-1 win over Baroka FC on Sunday afternoon.

As early as it may seem, it is hard to criticise Amakhosi for fancying their chances of snatching the league title as the team have peaked just at the right time, boosted by their latest signings who have all made a commendabl­e contributi­on in the limited time they have been given.

“We still have 12 matches to play. The road is still long. We have to take one step at a time, but it’s important we keep within touching distance. The next match is a direct confrontat­ion,” added Komphela.

The 50-year-old was happy his team managed to come back from a goal down and being one man short to earn the three points in Polokwane.

Amakhosi had Joseph Molangoane sent off after he deliberate­ly elbowed Khutso Mohwatsele­ng.

“One thing we need to highlight is that our character is being built.

“In any situation there’s no loss, just learning. In this instance we came back from a red card. In any predicamen­t your character is either revealed or built.

“The fact we were able to win this match from a goal down and a red card shows we have gained experience from the previous match and belief and confidence and I hope we shall carry this along with us.

“The beauty of it is that each time we bring in a new player he seems to score.

“You can go back as far as your Meyiwas, Ngezana, Ryan Moon and now Castro,” said Komphela after new signing Leonardo Castro scored on debut to seal the win.

We said it’s now game on. It’s show-time all the way now.

 ?? Picture: Backpagepi­x ?? STEVE KOMPHELA
Picture: Backpagepi­x STEVE KOMPHELA

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