Chiefs boss denies they face a crisis
It’s just a question of finishing – Komphela
STEVE Komphela has denied there is a crisis brewing at Kaizer Chiefs after the club matched their record for their worst run in the Premier Soccer League era by losing at home to struggling Jomo Cosmos on Tuesday.
Their shock 1-0 home loss was the fourth in a row for the league champions, but under-fire coach Komphela is adamant there is no need for panic.
“You could only say it was a crisis if we were not creating chances and playing badly. But it is just the opposite,” Komphela said after Chiefs extended their time on the pitch without a goal to seven hours.
“We play a clear game, we build, we develop but finishing is a question mark.
“A lot of stuff in our game is so positive but the cardinal error is not taking our chances.”
He refused to write off the title race, even though Chiefs are now back in fourth place. If they win all their remaining matches they can only finish on a maximum of 60 points, a tally already well within the immediate grasp of leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
“I’m not making any declaration about our league title race being over and at no stage will I make such a declaration until the log position says otherwise.
“There is no other solution for us but to keep on working and to find a way to score goals.
“But anxiety did creep into our game against Cosmos and we needed to have more patience. When you start feeling the noise [from disgruntled supporters] it does become difficult for the players,” Komphela said.
He admitted he was feeling the pressure but did not want it transferred to his players.
“You have to go through fires like this and find inspiration where you can,” he said.
Komphela said he felt emboldened by support he said he had received from Chiefs management and also a gesture from the players after the loss to Cosmos when they waited on the field for Komphela to finish his postmatch TV interview.
They then formed a protective ring around him and walked down the tunnel with him, effectively shielding the coach from the venomous barracking of a sector of fans demanding his dismissal.
“I was very humbled by it but I felt the players could have left me to face it [the abuse of the fans] and handle the fire. I would prefer for it to be alone because it is the coach who should face the consequences.”
Chiefs last scored when defender Eric Mathoho equalised in their 1-1 home draw with Polokwane City on February 23.
Since then they have gone a total of 423 minutes without finding the back of the net.
Chiefs last lost four matches in a row in April 2012 after firing Vladimir Vermezovic and putting Donald Khuse and Doctor Khumalo in charge.
The duo lost their first four games to Free State Stars (Nedbank Cup), Maritzburg United, Santos and SuperSport United.
There is no other solution for us but to keep on working and to find a way to score goals