Posted in News, Team News on Apr 26, 2017.
Kaizer Chiefs (1) 2
"The match was very exciting to watch," said Coach Steve Komphela at the post-match press conference last night. "It was a high octane match. Check the goals, they were clinical."
"Shabba's (Siphiwe Tshabalala) goal was top class stuff," referred Komphela. "That's for replays and the shelves. But, look at the goals that we scored. They were from inside the box, well worked out and exquisite material." All in the press room nodded to agree with the coach.
"It was an interesting match," said Komphela. "I am saddened that we lost this match. We will take the positives though and work on our shortfalls for the next game."
"Eric (Tinkler) admitted that we could have beaten them," reveals Komphela. "That's gentlemanly from him. He has done wonders with this team and deserves the praise."
"We went full swing in the second half," said Komphela discussing his subs after the break. "We dominated the first half but still didn't sit back. We wanted to win this match."
Komphela brought in William Twala, Gustavo Páez and George Lebese for Joseph Molangoane, Bernard Parker and Edmore Chirambadare respectively. "We wanted to get more entries in their box," said Komphela. "We did just that. Twala was able to dissect through their flanks to give us good crosses. With a little composure, Shabba could have slotted in another curler,
Molongoane shot over the bar and Páez’s shots were blocked both at close range."
"We played to our full capability," said Komphela. "Credit to the players, because they did their best."
When probed about low turnover of shots at goal, Komphela unpacked his tactical approach. "When you play against a compact team," said Komphela. "You can't penetrate them through the centre. The best is to try to go wide. City were compact in the centre and we couldn't see their goalkeeper from the central position. That is why we played more from the flanks with Rama (Ramahlwe Mphahlele) and Twala constantly probing their area."
"We did much better in the second half," concluded Komphela.
The results leave Amakhosi with a lot of work to do in the race to clinch the league title with five games remaining.
"Giving up is not an option. We will keep fighting until the end."
Chiefs travel to Mbombela Stadium on the weekend to play against SuperSport United on Saturday.