“It’s important to get the three points,” reflected coach Steve Komphela on Kaizer Chiefs’ 2-0 win over Maritzburg United on Saturday night. “That’s because you think better, as players, when they are not under any pressure. This will help us towards the future.”

Amakhosi had a bad start to the 2016/2017 PSL season, but have now collected seven points from the last three league encounters, booking back-to-back wins against Highlands Park and the Team of Choice.

The win over Maritzburg came thanks to goals scored by Lorenzo Gordinho and William Twala.

“There were a few threats early on,” admitted Komphela, referring to the early goalscoring chances the visitors got at the FNB Stadium, “and we knew that, despite going into the dressing room 2-0 up at half-time, that the game was not as yet finished, as Maritzburg were threatening.”

And so it happened, the Team of Choice didn’t give up, trying to a get a goal early in the second half. Meanwhile, the Amakhosi was sitting quite deep in their own half at that stage.

“Maybe we could have pushed a bit further up the field,” conceded the Chiefs coach, “but I am happy with the win.”

Itumeleng Khune won the Man of the Match award, but there were other fine performances from the Zimbabwean striker Michelle Katsvairo, William Twala, George Lebese and the entire defence.

“Strikers win matches, but your defence wins you championships,” commented Komphela, acknowledging that his defence was again unbeaten. Chiefs didn’t concede a goal against Highlands Park as well last Wednesday (1-0 win).

The Amakhosi coach was also more than content with the display of Katsvairo, who made his starting debut: “Maritzburg played with three centre-backs. Katsvairo ran into the channels quite well and he also allowed the team time to join him up-front. I am happy with his performance.”

What gave Komphela also a big smile on his face was the positive and vibrant atmosphere the Chiefs supporters created at the FNB Stadium, as they came in full force behind the team while singing and dancing long after the game was finished.

“They were simply marvellous,” Komphela commented about the vocal enthusiasm of the Amakhosi supporters.

Chiefs next play Free State Stars at Orkney’s James Motlatsi Stadium on Wednesday, 28 September 2016 (kick-off at 19:30).