It’s touch and go

Johannesburg - A week after President Jacob Zuma asked National Director of Public Prosecutions Shaun Abrahams to make representations as to why he should not be placed on suspension pending the outcome of an inquiry into his fitness to hold office, some clubs must be tempted to do the same thing to their coaches.

Some clubs have already parted ways with their underperforming coaches.

And it would not come as a shock if more club bosses pulled the trigger as well.

It will be a bleak Christmas for the likes of Steve Komphela, Cavin Johnson and Dan Malesela as they fight for survival in the Absa Premiership.

Chiefs might have lost only twice in the league so far, but daggers are already out for Komphela.

Few Chiefs supporters could hide their disappointment on Wednesday night following Amakhosi’s 1-all draw with SuperSport United.

They shouted “Steve must fall” as he made his way into the tunnel.

Amakhosi have now gone four league games without a win and the gap ­between them and log leaders Bidvest Wits is now four points, with the ­Students having played two fewer games.

Chiefs’ next five games before the Christmas break could determine ­Komphela’s future at Naturena.

First, he will come up against a side that knocked him out of the MTN8 competition earlier in the season, Cape Town City, on Tuesday. Eric Tinkler’s side has made big strides so far and will be looking to add to Komphela’s woes.

Johnson at Platinum Stars also faces a bleak future. Winning two matches in nine should be cause for concern.

And Malesela is skating on thin ice at Chippa United after going six without a win. Not so long ago, he was the toast of Nelson Mandela Bay, but he has since lost his mojo.

The big question is: Who will follow the likes of Ernst Middendorp?

The former Maritzburg United became the latest on the growing list of coaches who have already fallen by the wayside, which includes Roger De Sá, Muhsin Ertugral, Serame Letsoaka, Allan Freese and Denis Lavagne.