Town – In South African football, patience is often in short supply. While it’s axiomatic that time is required to build and mold a squad, coaches are regularly given short shrift as discontented supporters pressurise club bosses into premature action.
Minutes after Kaizer Chiefs were dumped out of the MTN8 competition after losing 1-0 to Cape Town City at the Cape Town Stadium on Friday night, the “komphelamustgo” brigade was shifting into top gear.
With the PSL taking a two-week international break, no doubt the clamour will continue to reverberate relentlessly. And so it is that Chiefs face a crucial decision that is likely to shape the direction and, ultimately, the fate of their season. Stay with head coach Steve Komphela, allow him the time and patience to work with a squad that contains a number of newly-signed players – who, more than likely, need time to adjust to their new surroundings – or will the Soweto side be forced to jettison Komphela and catapult a new man into the hot seat?
While Chiefs have cause for concern, it’s also important to remember that we are just two games into the new season. While Komphela’s team had the lion’s share of possession on Friday night, they appeared to lack the creative snap and cutting edge to effectively break down a doughty and inspired City defence. Importantly, too, especially when taking into consideration successful Amakhosi teams of the past, the current squad seems to lack a personality with the arrogance and charisma to galvanise the team. In short, they don’t have players who can make things happen, who can fabricate something when it looks like there’s nothing on.
But, perhaps, that will come. Time is football’s great asset, if the coach and the players are allowed its luxury.
Needless to say, Komphela cut a disappointed figure after the defeat, though he was far from disillusioned. He remained as confident as ever. “We tried our best to get the win, but we couldn’t,” said Komphela. “We had a number of chances. It always looked like a goal was coming, but it didn’t. Their goalkeeper, Shu-Aib Walters was the Man of the Match, and that could probably be sending a message…
“We aren’t feeling good – and I suppose we can’t feel good. We wanted to proceed in the tournament. The players tried their best to put in an effort, but we couldn’t get anything.”
While Chiefs captain Itumeleng Khune was just as disconsolate afterwards, he, too, was adamant that there was no need to panic.
“The fans have to be patient with us, things are not going well, but a team like Kaizer Chiefs always bounce back,” said Khune.
As for City, what a start they’ve had. A new club, just two games into their existence, and they’ve already made an impact.
– The Sunday Independent