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‘I don’t look at the table’, says Rama as he urges Chiefs not to agonize over the log
'I can’t even tell you what position we’re in now. We focus on one game at a time', quips the Amakhosi stalwart.
Ramahlwe Mphahlele of Kaizer Chiefs. Picture: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Ramahlwe Mphahlele believes Kaizer Chiefs should not worry about looking at the DStv Premiership standings every now and then. Instead, the veteran defender wants the team to just focus on their games and keep collecting points.
“I don’t even look at the table,” Mphahlele declares. “I can’t even tell you what position we’re in now. We focus on one game at a time. I believe it’s good to collect points early in the season but the league is a marathon that can be won on the last day,’’ he adds.
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His thinking may be right as constantly watching the log would bring some anxiety especially looking at the eight points that’s between them and leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
With three wins, a draw and one loss in their last five matches, Chiefs look to have found some formula that is helping their progression. They came close to climbing as high up as third place on Wednesday but were denied that chance by AmaZulu who equalised late in their game to claim a share of the spoils.
“AmaZulu are one of the best teams in the league, so it’s an important point for us,” says Mphahlele.
Up next for the Naturena side are Swallows FC who they meet at Dobsonville Stadium on Sunday. The Dube Birds are second from bottom and have failed to find their rhythm with just one win in 11 games.
But Mphahlele says this means nothing because any team can beat any other in the Premiership this season.
“I’ve seen teams that are bottom of the log beating teams at the top, so we just have to focus on ourselves. We must stick to our game plan and treat them with respect.
“They’re still a very good team, they can hurt you at any given time.
“Also when teams play against us they tend to revive themselves and play well, so we can’t take any team for granted. The minute we start looking at teams and their positions that will be our downfall.”
A win for Amakhosi can help them up to second place but that is dependent on results from other games. For Swallows, another defeat could be disastrous and confirm the side as one of the relegation candidates this season.
But a rare win against the more fancied Amakhosi could be just the jump start that Brandon Truter’s side need to get going again.
