“This was not a nice day at the office,” reflected Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela about the 3-1 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns in the Telkom Knockout final.

Komphela felt that “the scoreline was not a true reflection of the game. We gave away goals at the back. On the other hand, we got two penalties. You score those and it is 3-3. We also had numerous one-on-one situations with the Sundowns keeper. You put three of those opportunities away and it’s 6-3.”

“We didn’t defend well,” admitted the Chiefs coach, before adding that “the difference today was that our opponent took their chances and we didn’t.”

After the Brazilians came up 2-0 in the 51st minute, Komphela brought on Reneilwe Letsholonyane (for Hendrick Ekstein) and Bernard Parker (for Lucky Baloyi), soon followed followed by Camaldine Abraw (for Edward Manqele).

“The game talks to you,” the coach explained his quick third substitution, “so you need to listen. The first two were already ready to come on when Sundowns scored. However, when that goal fell, we decided, ‘let’s not hold back’ and that’s when we brought on Abraw as well.”

About the two missed penalties, Komphela commented: “Somebody mentioned that Sundowns’ goalkeeper Denis Onyango is very strong on his left. However, we never adhered to that advice, because both times the ball was kicked to his left.”

Looking forward towards Saturday’s Absa Premiership at home away from home at the Cape Town Stadium against log leaders BidVest Wits, Komphela adds: “We have to let go of this match, as Wits wait on Saturday. We have to bounce back.”