Posted in News, Team News on Jan 08, 2018.
Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela believes that his team could have made it easier for themselves by converting their chances in the first half and early in the second, after his charges played out to a goalless stalemate against SuperSport United in an Absa Premiership match at the Mbombela stadium on Saturday night.
“It’s sad it ended in a draw but the energy was right,” says Komphela in assessment of Amakhosi’s first match of the new year. “We were disappointing in the final third. We needed a bit of composure so we could break through and get a goal. We are happy with the performance but not the result. However, a point gained is better than three points lost.”
A strong crowd of more than 22 000 witnessed some scintillating football with lots of goalmouth action but both teams failed to hit the net.
“We had a chance to make up ground on the log leaders but it wasn’t to be. Looking at the circumstances, the opportunity was there for the taking. But at this point, there’s nothing we can do. We will take the point and look forward to the next game,” Komphela adds.
On debutant Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya’s performance, Komphela says: “He did well. First matches are always difficult. It’s not easy playing for Chiefs when you’re that young but he did well. His defensive discipline and constructive use of the ball when in possession were okay. I’m satisfied with his contribution.
“We told the chairman that Ntiya-Ntiya was ready a long time ago and he could slot in at any time. Our youth graduates have been impressive this season, including Ngezana and Meyiwa who both scored on their respective debuts. Credit must go to the Kaizer Chiefs Youth Development Academy for their role in bringing them through,” the coach states.
Kaizer Chiefs have kept nine clean sheets in 16 matches. “Our defence has been solid and if we can be more clinical at the other end of the pitch and put away our chances with greater regularity, we’ll be well on our way. We believe a player like Leonardo Castro will help us with that,” Komphela concludes.
Amakhosi’s next match will be a home fixture at the FNB stadium against Polokwane City on Saturday, 13 January 2018 at 20:15. Tickets for the match are available at Computicket and Shoprite/Checkers outlets at R40 per ticket and R10 for children under the age of 12.
“It’s sad it ended in a draw but the energy was right,” says Komphela in assessment of Amakhosi’s first match of the new year. “We were disappointing in the final third. We needed a bit of composure so we could break through and get a goal. We are happy with the performance but not the result. However, a point gained is better than three points lost.”
A strong crowd of more than 22 000 witnessed some scintillating football with lots of goalmouth action but both teams failed to hit the net.
“We had a chance to make up ground on the log leaders but it wasn’t to be. Looking at the circumstances, the opportunity was there for the taking. But at this point, there’s nothing we can do. We will take the point and look forward to the next game,” Komphela adds.
On debutant Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya’s performance, Komphela says: “He did well. First matches are always difficult. It’s not easy playing for Chiefs when you’re that young but he did well. His defensive discipline and constructive use of the ball when in possession were okay. I’m satisfied with his contribution.
“We told the chairman that Ntiya-Ntiya was ready a long time ago and he could slot in at any time. Our youth graduates have been impressive this season, including Ngezana and Meyiwa who both scored on their respective debuts. Credit must go to the Kaizer Chiefs Youth Development Academy for their role in bringing them through,” the coach states.
Kaizer Chiefs have kept nine clean sheets in 16 matches. “Our defence has been solid and if we can be more clinical at the other end of the pitch and put away our chances with greater regularity, we’ll be well on our way. We believe a player like Leonardo Castro will help us with that,” Komphela concludes.
Amakhosi’s next match will be a home fixture at the FNB stadium against Polokwane City on Saturday, 13 January 2018 at 20:15. Tickets for the match are available at Computicket and Shoprite/Checkers outlets at R40 per ticket and R10 for children under the age of 12.
