Komphela senses 'harmony and desire' from his troops

Cape Town – It has been a long time coming but Steve Komphela and his Kaizer Chiefs charges are on top of the Absa Premiership again.

Amakhosi secured a 2-0 victory over Free State Stars on Thursday which ensured the Sowetan side claim maximum points and shifted them to the summit of the PSL.

Three victories in a row have given Chiefs a sense of desire Komphela has said and that everything is starting to come together.

“There is harmony in the team and a desire to do better,” Komphela reflected on the club's website.

“There's camaraderie in the camp. Everyone wants to play, but those that don’t make it into the match squad have given tremendous support to their team-mates, and that's pleasing to see.”

The Chiefs coach posed a cool and collected figure after watching Man-of-the-Match, Willard Katsande, and score from the penalty spot, while fellow Zimbabwean, Michelle Katsvairo, added the second.

“I thought we did well, getting the result,” comments Komphela.

“We just have to continue working hard, game by game.”

The Chiefs coach, who was born in the Free State and coached Ea Lla Koto in the past, remains gracious in victory.

“You could even get the message from their bench that the plan was to be aggressive on us. There's nothing wrong with that as long as it is within fair play.”

“They planned to thwart our style of play, which is full of flair, with their tight marking. And, let’s be fair, they had their moments here and there too.”

Komphela refuses to be drawn in an individual performance review of his players, but does make an example of Katsvairo to illustrate the work in progress.

“Katsvairo’s graph has been gradually going up,” Komphela explains.

“Before he got a start against Maritzburg United, he invited us to select him to start after some fine displays. It is helpful when the players send you a message and it is good for the team too.”

“We aren't perfect yet,” the Amakhosi coach admits.

“The squad is balanced and the mood is great in the camp. With the two weeks Fifa-break coming up now, it is matter of putting the feet firmly on the ground and to constantly remind ourselves of the long journey ahead.”

“We will put the break to good use,” concludes Komphela. “We will profile other opponents and work on tactical aspects of our game."

Chiefs’ next match is at home away from home against Ajax Cape Town at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium on 15 October.