“This match was no different from the first,” Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela commented after beating Bloemfontein Celtic 1-0 to reach the MTN8 final. “It was as tough. However, Celtic changed their tactical approach. We had to adapt. Credit to my players, we played more with our heads than our feet.”

Amakhosi went past Phunya Sele Sele 2-1 on aggregate after the away game ended in a 1-1 draw. George Lebese scored the winner in Saturday evening’s 1-0 win at the FNB Stadium.

“The moment we saw Celtic’s team sheet,” continued Komphela, “we had to start thinking again. Were they playing 3-5-2 or what… It was a challenge. Doctor (Khumalo, Chiefs’ assistant-coach) and I checked and found out. We saw an opportunity on the right, through Siboniso Gaxa and Siphiwe Tshabalala.”

Gaxa, also called ‘Pa’, was selected as the MTN8 Man of the Match for his excellent performance.

Komphela added: “Pa’s performance was probably a culmination of the way the opponent was set-up. Again, I am thankful for the way my players responded to the last minute tactical changes.”

The Amakhosi coach is happy to reach the final, although he reacted modestly to that feat: “When you move to an environment (Chiefs) that brews success, it’s the environment that creates that.”

About the newly signed striker, Edward Manqele, who wasn’t as yet in the matchday squad, Komphela said: “Of course, I know him very well when we worked together at Free State Stars. Our technical team thoroughly checked Manqele’s performance in Chippa United’s 4-0 win over Tuks. He played very well and gave a fine performance. That shows that he’s ready, especially considering his declaration after having signed: ‘I am home’.”