Steve Komphela, the Kaizer Chiefs coach, reflected on their top of the table goalless draw with Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday night with “regret”, while his counterpart Pitso Mosimane was pleased to have avoided defeat.
The FNB Stadium is not a happy hunting ground for the Brazilians, where the Absa Premiership log leaders’ winless record away to Chiefs stretched to a fourth season. Mosimane then reminded everyone during the post match interviews that he was not playing mind games when he said he’d be cautious.
“I would say the word is regret, not disappointment. If you say we are disappointed we did not get all three points, then it’s a bit harsh. We regret that we did not take the opportunity to win the game and cut their lead to two points,” said Komphela.
“This means we both have to go our separate ways to go hunt the three points.”
Mosimane, who had already lost to Chiefs once this season back in October when Amakhosi came to Loftus Versfeld and thumped the Brazilians 2-1 in a highly tactical clash, said his game plan was not about vengeance.
“We did not come here for revenge,” the coach explained. “This was a big game, like in the (CAF) Champions League. It might not have been good for the fans because there were no goals, but Itu (Chiefs goalie Khune) said he prefers a clean sheet, and our goalkeeper has kept one also. We are not worried about revenge here. We are playing to win the championship. We played a good team and their centrebacks were well aware of our movements. I am happy we kept Chiefs where they are and we stayed where we are.”
Sundowns remained top of the log with 35 points, while Amakhosi moved up to third and trail the Brazilians by five points.