Posted in News on Jun 07, 2001.
So says Chiefs assistant coach Steve Komphela. "We cannot go for
the main one because it is gone but we have to maximise whatever we
have to ensure we finish as runners-up.
"Because of the rivalry between the two teams our supporters will
forgive us for losing out on the league title to Pirates after
coming so close. It will also be an incentive to beat them," he
said on Thursday.
"There were games when we just donated points to other teams but
the guys know we cannot afford to do that on Saturday."
The two sides meet in a Castle Premiership replay at the FNB
Stadium in a game which is a double header with the Bobsave
Superbowl final.
Komphela believes they can also use this game as a practise match
for the Vodacom challenge. "We could meet each other in the
challenge and if we can beat them now we will believe we can do it
again."
Cyril Nzama is a doubtful starter and Siyabonga Nomvete, who had a
bruise on his knee has recovered.
Although Pirates have already won the league they are still
treating this as a crucial encounter and head coach Gordon Igesund
said they were not going to relax.
"It is a vital game for us, I know that it has been dubbed a
friendly because we are already the champions and that is the
reason why it is so important.
"We have to behave like champions and finish on a high note.
Besides which, this is not just any team we are playing. It is
Chiefs and there's pride at stake."
Igesund, who will be without six players, believes the game will be
won by the team which makes fewer errors on the day.
"I told the guys to go out, enjoy themselves and entertain the
people. We are regarded as the two most popular clubs in the
country and people must talk about this game for some time to
come."
Pirates will be missing Godfrey Sapula, Joseph Ngake, Shasha
Moleko, Gerald Raphahlele, Thabo Mngomeni and Brandon Silent.