Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
BMT is the word for Steve and Muhsin
REMEMBER the term big-match temperament or BMT, something Steve Komphela’s Kaizer Chiefs were accused of lacking last season?
Well, it’s going to come up again in today’s Soweto derby against Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium ( 3.30pm kickoff).
Chiefs currently top the log ( before last night’s match between Golden Arrows and Maritzburg United) after a five- match winning streak and four consecutive victories in the PSL.
A Telkom Knockout win, which came courtesy of penalties – but a win nonetheless – is also included in that run.
As Komphela pointed out when Amakhosi lost their league opener against Wits on August 23, it takes a bit more than losing a match to be out of the running for the title, but wining a derby can go some way in shaping a side into genuine championship contenders.
While Pirates have been struggling to deal with the butterflies in their stomach since the arrival of Muhsin Ertugral, Komphela has made sure that his second season with the Glamour Boys is one of efficiency, and hopefully silverware.
Today’s clash could derail him if Chiefs are beaten, but it will not cost him his job.
Ertugral, however, is under enormous pressure. The Buccaneers, although 2- 1 winners against Arrows in the Telkom Knockout last week, are desperate to put an end of their run of three draws in the league.
This week, Komphela reminded everyone that being a PSL coach meant you could be in the hot seat today and gone tomorrow, ala Roger de Sa at Ajax Cape Town, and more so if you are in charge of one of the two biggest clubs.
He knows all too well the pressure that comes with such a high- profile position and that failure, barren seasons and underperforming players can cost you dearly.
This season has got to be better for Komphela – and the derby – where there’s pressure, great expectation and bragging rights at stake can easily be a measuring stick.
Ertugral is no rookie in these circumstances and won several domestic trophies and a continental one during his time at Chiefs.
There are teething problems at Pirates, which were understandable earlier in the season, but are annoying the fans now and could really test their patience should the Sea Robbers go down against their rivals.
The two coaches are both desperate to see their players display a bit of BMT this afternoon, but the general feeling is that maybe Ertugral needs victory more. Being compared to your rival and coming second- best is the worst feeling.