Cape Town - Kaizer Chiefs haven’t won in their last six games across all competitions, but coach Steve Komphela insists that his team will “keep working” to move up the Premiership ladder.
The Amakhosi again failed to claim all three points as they drew 1-1 with new log-leaders Cape Town City at the FNB Stadium on Tuesday night.
It was actually a valuable point for the Glamour Boys as they were reduced to 10 men in the first half following Sibusiso Khumalo’s straight red card in the 28th minute for a rash challenge on Thamsanqa Mkhize.
But that didn’t prevent the Chiefs fans from venting their anger after the final whistle as they pelted the players and Komphela with bottles.
The former Bafana Bafana captain is feeling the heat, but felt that his team did well to hold on for a stalemate. “Up until when we got red-carded, it looked like we were on point. Even with the red card, there were instances where you have to be opportunistic when you get those chances. The essence of playing with one man down is to stay very disciplined and very strong mentally, which I thought to an extent we did,” Komphela said in a post-match TV interview.
“But obviously as time goes on, the legs start giving. You try and try to delay the subs as much as possible. Result, not happy. Performance and commitment, you feel that they tried their best and then you have to keep moving on without any complaints.”
Komphela was forced to substitute captain and goalkeeper extraordinaire Itumeleng Khune, who made a number of vital saves to keep Chiefs in the game, in the second half after one such block saw him landing awkwardly.
He received treatment a few times before eventually going off with just over 20 minutes to go, and could be in doubt for Saturday’s trip to Port Elizabeth to take on Chippa United at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium (6pm kickoff).
Chiefs are fourth on the log with 17 points in 11 matches, but may be leapfrogged by both Golden Arrows and Orlando Pirates, who play Polokwane City and Baroka FC respectively on Wednesday night.
“We will check (on Khune’s injury). He said when he went down after a save, he got a knock. So we will see and the medics will give us an update, but it’s another on the list of injuries,” Komphela said.
“Part of our jobs as coaches is to keep working, irrespective of whatever. So whatever happens, you have got to get the machine moving, with or without wheels, with or without parts. Keep working, that’s all we do.”