Johannesburg - As the country prepares to celebrate Armed Forces Day this week, another show of force is emerging in the Absa Premiership where Kaizer Chiefs underline their title ambitions.
While the military tanks, navy vessels and fighter planes announced their arrival in Durban at the weekend with practise drills across the city, Chiefs made it clear with a 1-0 league win over Highlands Park at 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 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 set piece headed goal from defender Lorenzo Gordinho in the 40th minute off a corner kick to take leadership of the title race, a point ahead of Cape Town City.
With 12 games left in the title race, there was no room for Chiefs coach Steve Komphela to play coy about their ambitions.
“In every competition the targets at Chiefs are clear. In the Absa Premiership you have to gun for the trophy. In any other competition, the knock-out cups, you have to gun for it. So the targets are simple - you have to win whatever is available,” said the coach.
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 was omitted as a precaution because of a calf muscle strain, and suspended national team defender Erick 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 whenever called up is part of the formula of their five-game winning run.
Teamwork was again the mantra spelled out as the foundation for this turn-around in fortunes. Man of the Match Ramahlwe Mphahlele shrugged off the individual accolade.
“For me it’s all about team effort - we played well as a team. The award doesn’t mean anything; it goes to the team,” he said.
“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 result 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 rookies 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.