DURBAN - Consistency is the recipe that Kaizer Chiefs are looking to perfect if they are to achieve success this season.
Two players scoring in consecutive games, another picking up the Man-of-the-Match award in successive matches, and the fielding of the same line-up in both outings all point to the key ingredient for success, says Chiefs coach Steve Komphela.
He was pleased that midfielders Siphiwe Tshabalala and Willard Katsande each scored in Saturday night’s 2-1 win at Maritzburg United, after they also hit the target in last week’s 3-1 home win over Free State Stars.
Fellow midfielder George Maluleka was named the star performer for the second game running.
“The goals by Shabba and Katsande tells us that they are hitting another level,” Komphela said.
“It is nice and we expect players to take responsibility and lead from the front. Maluleka getting back-to-back awards is nice and I’m happy for George; I hope he keeps the same standard.
“The award could have gone to Shabba or Katsande, which shows a team effort.”
The victory was Amakhosi’s fourth in a row and took them to second place in the PSL standings behind surprise leaders Cape Town City.
Chiefs will need more of the same if they are to remain in the title hunt, said Komphela, although for the next challenge against relegation-threatened Highlands Park in Durban on Saturday the defence will miss Eric Mathoho, who is suspended.
“Consistency means success. If you look at any team in the world that is winning, it comes down to consistency,” Komphela said.
As far as the title race goes, Komphela reckons they have no fixed target.
“There are no standards in terms of having to reach this level or that level. We just have to grow and grow, and run our own race,” he said.
“We won’t look at someone else otherwise we’ll neglect our duties.”
Home coach Roger de Sa was gracious in defeat although he felt that with better management after they equalised, Maritzburg would have bagged a point.
He felt Chiefs were in a good space and could sustain their momentum.
“Chiefs are well balanced, confident, they’re buzzing and they have depth with guys like (William) Twala and a hot shot South American striker coming in. They should be in contention. When Chiefs are in the top four you can expect them to be in the running near the end,” said De Sa.
They also have midfielder George Lebese fully fit and fighting for a starting place, which will add further attacking impetus to Chiefs’ frontline, which was bolstered by new signing Gustavo Paez.