KOMPHELA UNDER FIRE FROM ANGRY FANS
Chiefs coach under fire from angry supporters after yet another let-down
EMBATTLED Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela has acknowledged his team’s performances thus far have not been good enough after their latest unconvincing display saw the squad need a police escort to exit the pitch as angry fans bayed for blood.
Amakhosi were stunned 2-1 by Baroka FC in a thrilling Absa Premiership clash at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday evening, despite scoring early and having numerous opportunities to bag all of the three points.
Chiefs went in front early on, in the eighth minute, and looked like they would go on to score more goals.
But a combination of lapses in concentration and failure to capitalise on their chances allowed Baroka to cancel out the goal before the half-time break and seal maximum points shortly after the restart.
The defeat‚ their second of the season‚ left Chiefs stuck in fifth place and six points behind leaders Baroka on the log standings.
“Nine points from seven matches is not good enough for Chiefs‚” Komphela said.
“We have to improve drastically and make sure we become more consistent in winning our games.
“We will continue to work hard at training until we find a solution to this kind of a problem‚” the under-fire coach said after watching as his team surrendered a 1-0 lead to end up losing 2-1 at home. “Surrendering the lead is not good at all.” Some sections of the bloodthirsty Chiefs fans stayed behind after the match hoping to hurl abuse and possibly objects at Komphela before and after his television interview.
But instead of condemning their actions, the diplomatic coach said he understood the frustration of the fans‚ who have had to bear two seasons without a taste of silverware since Komphela’s arrival.
“We are supposed to answer the backlash of our supporters through the performance on the pitch‚” Komphela said.
“Nothing but winning will convince our supporters. We simply have to work even harder to get back to winning ways.” As the fans chanted “Steve Must Go”‚ players also remained on the pitch and it was not clear as to whether it was in solidarity with their embattled coach or if they also feared for their safety.