“It shows that when you score first against us, you do that at your own peril,” coach Steve Komphela reflected after Amakhosi’s 4-1 drubbing of SuperSport United on Saturday evening. “The players know what is at stake and they show signs of champions.”

Matsatsantsa looked to be on cruise control during the first half, opening the five goal thriller with a stunner from Dove Wome and coming close to extend their lead on numerous occasions.

Komphela, however, had it all worked out: “We looked at their patterns and spotted the threats early on. We couldn’t intervene immediately. We had to wait until half-time to tweak a few things.”

The changes worked to great effect, with ‘Man of the Match’ George Lebese leading the demolition job with two goals.

“We changed the structure,” explains the Chiefs coach. “We improved the fluidity in our passing and our full-backs became more adventurous. Sometimes, reading a match will tell you what to do next. We are happy with the result and look forward to many more victories.”

In the absence of Erick Mathoho, who was out injured, Lorenzo Gordinho had a fine performance, much to do the delight of Komphela.

“Gordinho came to the party,” the Amakhosi coach commented. “So did Cameldine Abraw after coming on for Siphelele Mthembu.”

To conclude, Komphela expressed being delighted with Siphiwe Tshabalala for leading by example as the team captain: “Shabba is carrying the armband with aplomb.”

Amakhosi will play in the MTN8 final against Ajax Cape Town at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.