Breathing space for Chiefs coach
Kaizer Chiefs' 3-0 Telkom Knockout win over AmaZulu was just what coach Steve Komphela needed as his future at the club may depend on how his team fares in this cup competition.
Steve Komphela, coach of Kaizer Chiefs (Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix)
There have been general suggestions that Amakhosi management have given their mentor an ultimatum to win the TKO or else.
The Glamour Boys have uncharacteristically not won any trophy in the past two-and-a-half years, something which has seen a section of fans calling for Komphela’s head.
If anything can be read into Amakhosi’s start in the Ziwa Month competition, it is that Komphela may live to fight another day.
“We are happy that the results are forthcoming and hope that these kids stay injury-free and keep producing results for our supporters,” said Komphela after the victory at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
READ: Chiefs rout AmaZulu to reach TKO last-8
George Maluleka scored in the first half and Siphiwe Tshabalala and Hendriek Ekstein did the same in the second half to help their team advance to the next round.
Komphela admitted the pressure to win trophies, and said he wishes for more trophies for Amakhosi whether with or without him.
“Every match is important for Chiefs. One has to be careful with what he says because it all comes with implications.
“If you downplay the fact we have not been winning things it will come across otherwise … I am reluctant to respond because at Chiefs winning trophies is the utmost,” he explained.
“I am a man of process and a man of process must be selfless as long as the process and part of the vision is being pushed, then you are okay. Play your part until they say ‘okay, he’s done his part’,” he added.
Usuthu’s Cavin Johnson said although they were disappointed with the result, it was not a train smash.
“We had a few chances that could have changed the match. Mabhudi (Khenyeza) and Lerato (Manzini) had great chances. If you score from such chances it changes the game because the team who concede have to come out and play,” said Johnson.
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