“I have to give my compliments to Ajax Cape Town,” reflected coach Steve Komphela after Kaizer Chiefs lost the MTN8 final to the Urban Warriors. “We didn’t play our usual rhythm game. Ajax deserved it.”

Komphela was visibly disappointed after his side’s 1-0 loss to Ajax. He admitted that their striker Nathan Paulse had been a handful to the Chiefs defence: “We prepared for all kinds of tactical options Ajax could come up with, even going the aerial route, which they eventually opted for by starting with Paulse. He was a handful and was therefore selected as the Man of the Match.”

“We needed to more aggressive, especially when it comes to winning the second ball, which we failed to do both defensively and offensively.”

After Ajax had scored their goal from the penalty spot, Komphela immediately brought on Camaldine Abraw and Edward Manqele. “They mixed well,” reacts the Amakhosi coach. “Abraw maybe tried a bit too hard.”

“We just need to admit that we didn’t play well,” concluded Komphela. “If you have three to four players not doing well, you know that it will be difficult. It was not a good day in the office. Losing is not nice, especially at this level (cup final). However, we have learnt lessons that we will use going forward.”

Amakhosi play on Wednesday in an Absa Premiership fixture at home against the University of Pretoria. The match will take place at the FNB Stadium (kick-off is at 19:30).