“What is important are the three points,” reflects coach Steve Komphela after Amakhosi’s hard fought 1-0 win over a resilient and enthusiastic Bloemfontein Celtic on Sunday afternoon.

“We needed the three points badly.”

Chiefs added three points to their tally to remain on position four with 25 points from 14 matches, five adrift from the Absa Premiership log leaders.

“He knew what he was doing,” Komphela refers to Celtic coach Serame Letsoaka. “In the first half it was clear what was happening. Then, they changed strategy in the second after they got a goal behind. They kept coming at us and didn’t allow us to play.”

Chiefs won the match courtesy of Willard Katsande’s spot kick.

“The crowd loved it,” continues Komphela. “The energy from my players was positive. The neutrals must have enjoyed the match too.”

On George Lebese’s absence: “We have stated in the preview that we needed Lebese’s services badly. His groin injury is not as bad as we thought. He should be back anytime soon.”

Komphela hailed the contribution of Sula Matovu as well as his substitute, the freshly signed William Twala: “Sula played well and added value with his desire to get behind their defence. He was marked by good Celtic defenders.”

“As for Twala it was more of introducing him to have a feel and get a warm welcome from the fans,” concluded Komphela. “Twala nearly scored with a pile driver that shaved the upright.”

Chiefs will take this victory as a confidence booster to Cape Town when welcoming Platinum Stars at the Cape Town Stadium next Sunday, 24 January (kick-off is at 15:30). Tickets for this much anticipate Cape of Love & Peace match are sold at Computicket and Shoprite/Checkers outlets nationwide at R60.