“We played some good football,” reflected coach Steve Komphela on the Soweto Derby, which finished in a one-all draw.

“We deserved the first half lead and it was a pity we conceded a soft goal after the break.”

The Kaizer Chiefs coach added “we were physically ok, but we let ourselves down at times with the decision-making especially to deliver the right pass. Overall, however, we had better chances to win the game”.

Amakhosi dominated the first half and were unlucky not to add another goal before the break. After halftime, Orlando Pirates came back strongly with the equaliser as a result.

Komphela is of the view that the Derby was entertaining to watch from a spectator point of view: “We gave for the spectators something to talk about. The result, however, could have been better.”

Itumeleng Khune started the match after a long absence due to his knee operation towards the end of last year, but he had to leave the field in the second half because of what looked like a lower calf spasm.

“He’s fine for now, he’s in the dressing room,” Komphela commented after the Derby on Khune’s injury. “However, we will soon know more after we get feedback from our medical team.”

Chiefs are still in fourth position, having collected 26 points from 16 games. Absa Premiership log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns are on 36 points, ten more than the Amakhosi.

“It’s not over yet,” Komphela reacted about the distance to the Brazilians and about the chances of retaining the league title.

“Two years ago, we were, at some stage, 12 points ahead of Sundowns, but they won the league title with an advantage of two points. There is no reason why something like this can’t happen again.”

Chiefs play on Tuesday, 2 February, an away match against Golden Arrows at the Moses Mabhida Stadium (kick-off is at 19:30).