Posted in News on Jul 18, 2015.
Kaizer Chiefs went down to Mbabane Swallows via a penalty shootout in the first semi-final of the 4-team King’s Super Cup tournament played at Somhlolo National Stadium in Lobamba Swaziland.
"My impression of the match is that, firstly we are disappointed to lose the match but we've collected good information for our preparations," responds Coach Steve Komphela.
The match started at a furious pace with the two teams having a go at each other. There was little separating the two sides in the first half, though Swallows kept knocking at Chiefs’ goal.
"We played well and naturally one expects the team to drop at the hour mark," adds Komphela. "But, we were creative and fluid on the ball."
Brilliant Khuzwayo pulled out numerous good saves throughout the match. Two players; Wonder Nhleko and Tony Tsabedze were a constant thorn with their speed and dribbling skills, perhaps both of them had a better knowledge of Chiefs because they once played in the PSL.
"We are missing a number of our regular defenders. We started with a totally new setup at the back, and if you ask me my feedback would be that, I am a little comfortable with the way the lads adapted," suggests Komphela. "We are ready to start with the league programme despite missing Mathoho, Gould, Cardoso and Masilela, all nursing an assortment of injuries.
Siphiwe Tshabalala, captaining his side on the day, proved to be a handful when in possession of the ball. In the second half Tshabalala shot went agonizingly wide with goalkeeper Ginindza Sandile well beaten.
"We are working on the finishing aspects of the match," continues Komphela. "At this stage of the preparations we are focusing on the physical conditioning of the players."
"We are looking at two more good friendly matches before the Carling Black Label Cup match in a fortnight’s time," concludes Komphela.
The match ended in a goalless stalemate and then went straight to penalties to separate the two teams. Swallows converted the first four of their spot kicks through Tsabedze, Badenhorst, Attram and goalkeeper Ginindza.
Tshabalala and Abrwa's spot kicks were well saved by Ginindza. Ritchie and Letsholonyane scored for Chiefs to end the match on a 4 - 2 scoreline.
Kaizer Chiefs Starting lineup: Khuzwayo (16), Gaxa (2), Gordinho (26), Xulu (5), Ritchie (23), Katsande (31), Letsholonyane (6), Tshabalala, (14)(C), Lebese (17) (Abraw), Parker (25), Mthembu (20)
Subs: Pieterse (1), Moleko (18), Ovidy (11), Mokgothu (13), Zulu (8), Abraw (9), Ekstein (27), Bukenya (30)
Swallows starting lineup: Ginindza (1); Magagula (4); Mkhweli (20); Mabila (12); Maphosa (13) (Badenhorst); Tagbor (5); Nhleko (10) (Sikhondze); Kabamba (18); Hlatshwayo (19); Ndlovu (15) (Attram), Tsabedze (17)
Subs: Baderhorat (7), Sikhondze (11), Palma (6), Thomo (2), Ndwandwa (8), Jim (16), Attram (9)
Referee Chirandza Samuel, 1st Ass Chauke Peter, 2nd Ass Nxumalo Sifiso, 4th official Nhleko Simanga, Match Comm Mabuza Wallace