Komphela gunning for PSL glory
AS THE country prepares to celebrate Armed Forces Day this week, another show of force is emerging in the PSL where Kaizer Chiefs are underlining their title ambitions.
While the military tanks, navy vessels and fighter planes announced their arrival in Durban at the weekend with practice drills across the city, Chiefs made it clear with a 1-0 league win over Highlands Park at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday that they mean business.
It was a fighting performance, more than a classy one, against rugged opponents as tactics took precedence over thrills when the Amakhosi shot to the top of the standings.
Having survived a let-off when veteran winger Franklin Cale fluffed a chance to open the scoring, Chiefs hit back with a goal from defender Lorenzo Gordinho in the 40th minute off a corner kick to go top of the table.
With 12 games left in the season, there was no chance for Chiefs coach Steve Komphela to be coy about his team’s ambitions.
“In every competition the targets at Chiefs are clear. In the PSL you have to gun for the trophy. In any other competition, you have to gun for it. So the targets are simple – you have to win whatever is available,” he said.
It was a general statement, one that he voiced previously after he took charge last season. However, Komphela said it with a greater sense of determination, rather than a sense of obligation.
Even without first-choice midfielder George Maluleka, who missed Saturday’s game because of a calf strain and suspended defender Eric Mathoho, Chiefs were workmanlike.
Daniel Cardoso filled in at the back and in the middle Lucky Baloyi grabbed his chance to impress. Players stepping in and doing the business is part of the reason for Chiefs’ five-game winning run.
Teamwork is the foundation for this turn-around in fortunes. Manof-the-match Ramahlwe Mphahlele shrugged off his individual accolade.
“For me it’s all about team effort. The award doesn’t mean anything; it goes to the team,” said the defender.
“The most important thing is for the team to do well and win. Five wins are encouraging; it’s a good feeling. We want to keep working hard, take each game as it comes, and grind the results in certain games.”
The bottom-of-the-table battle will be equally competitive, promised Highlands coach Gordon Igesund. Facing the likes of Chiefs, regular top-eight members Polokwane City, and Cape Town City in recent matches was always going to be challenging for Highlands.
“We are not going to panic; we’re familiar with the situation. We’ll keep working hard and fight. There’s no pretending that all is okay, but I think we are capable of surviving,” said Igesund.
Any positive result from the Chiefs game would have been a bonus. Instead Igesund said they were targeting other opponents closer to them for points. After their next outing against SuperSport United, Highlands will fancy their chances against the likes of Free State Stars, Maritzburg United and Ajax Cape Town.