PLAYING FOR TIME
UNDER-FIRE KOMPHELA PLEADS PATIENCE WITH STASH
Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela believes Sunday’s narrow Absa Premiership win over Platinum Stars will go a long way in settling nerves in his team ahead of a crucial Nedbank Cup semifinal at the weekend.
A jittery Amakhosi huffed and puffed but got the result as Hendriek Ekstein scored early in the second half to earn the three points and atone somewhat for the previous weekend’s shameful 3-0 defeat to Chippa United.
“It’s a good result to boost the confidence going into the weekend game and forward,” said Komphela. “We failed to hit the right levels of rhythm and we were a bit scrappy. We got a bit better in the second half. At least this gets rid of the emotions and boosts confidence,” he added.
In a bid to freshen things up, Komphela introduced the exciting Siphelele Ntshangase, but he did little to influence the match. Komphela admitted that the 24-year-old attacking midfielder is naturally finding it a little hard to adapt in his new environment.
“Chiefs are a different animal. It’s not easy for the young man. This brand is big and it can swallow you. You can come here having achieved in your little environment but when you come here it is different. To come here and hit the ground running is not easy. But he will get there. From where he was playing it is easy to see his talent,” said the mentor.
Komphela’s stay at Amakhosi is uncertain as his contract ends in June and the club’s management have made announcements that there will be an overhaul in the club at the end of the current term.
“A contract comes with clear terms … you have to keep doing your job and every second counts.
“Planning will always be there. No club can wait until the last minute to make plans. As a coach you do not need to get involved in contract negotiations and I haven’t heard anything from those who handle such things on my behalf,” he said when asked about his situation.
There have previously been reports that Amakhosi will extend Komphela’s stay but with the supporters having rioted and called for his head for the umpteenth time last weekend, it remains to be seen if he will be retained.