Steve wants lions and tigers
Chiefs coach will focus on sharping his players’ killer instincts as they prepare for a must-win derby against Pirates at Soccer City this weekend.
Kaizer Chiefs will concentrate on developing a sharper killer instinct with coach Steve Komphela calling for “lions” and “tigers” in his team as they prepare for the weekend derby and much-anticipated clash with Orlando Pirates. A limp draw in their last outing at home to Bloemfontein Celtic at Soccer City last Saturday means Komphela's emphasis in the preparation for the derby will be on his side showing more aggression and attacking intent.
Victory against the Buccaneers presents possibly the last chance for AmaKhosi to stake a legitimate challenge for the Absa Premiership title.
"The lack of a killer instinct and inability to be more ruthless is one thing we cannot afford. We have highlighted that to players, but saying stuff and doing stuff is slightly different.
"We want to see tigers and lions coming out there showing the outmost of ambition," said the Chiefs coach as derby fever mounts ahead of Saturday's game at Soccer City.
It follows a ton of possession but only half-scoring chances against Celtic. "Of course we tried. In the circumstances we were playing against an opponent who were organised and who also gave us some problems. You have to be realistic and accept the fact that, as much as you wanted victory desperately, Celtic were also there to resist.
"We have to take criticism and learn from that and use opportunities like these, otherwise you live to regret the missed opportunity," Komphela added.
"We can only change it by highlighting it and working on it again. Go back and work on it again. How do you work on it? We are still OK defensively, there was good shape. Final third? Can we really cut open the defence and get behind them and score? Did we get chances? We lacked finesse and there was a stage when I felt we were starting to get a bit desperate. And you need to be calm.
"Professional athletes, both coaches and players, need to keep a cool head. There will be pressure, but you have to keep doing your job without succumbing to pressure. It is very important for us to keep working," he said.