Chiefs coach ready to go out with a bang

Johannesburg - Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela will not get a better chance to win over club supporters than lifting the Nedbank Cup.

This will still not be enough to prolong his stay with Amakhosi, but will go a long way to bring smiles to Chiefs supporters’ faces. Komphela will want to go out with a bang and leave the supporters with something to cherish.

With his future already decided following indifferent results, the Nedbank Cup affords Komphela an opportunity to salvage something for the season.

Chiefs welcome Free State Stars at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday evening, with a spot in the final up for grabs.

This will be the second meeting between the two sides in a fortnight.

Chiefs narrowly beat Stars in their league encounter last week as Teenage Hadebe’s injury-time header separated the two teams.

However, it must be pointed out that Stars defeated Chiefs at the same venue in the Telkom Knockout Cup quarterfinals two seasons ago.

Saturday’s clash will be more of a grudge game as Stars want to avenge last week’s defeat.

What makes it even more interesting is that Stars coach Luc Eymael has been linked with a possible move to Chiefs.

Despite categorically denying this rumour, Eymael has a point to prove to his potential employers and beating Chiefs will enhance his chances of replacing Komphela.

However, Komphela would not want to go down to Eymael as this would prove the Belgian is the better coach.

Having already beaten Stars, albeit without Eymael on the bench as he was suspended, Chiefs will want to show the victory was no fluke.

Chiefs players have already said they want to win this trophy. They are also playing for their contracts following the club’s management team saying that heads will roll at the end of the season.

The likes of Leonardo Castro and Ryan Moon will have to ensure they come to the party to help Chiefs reach the final.

Eymael has transformed Stars since he joined them at the beginning of the season, and they are now a formidable side. They have also done well in the league, with a top-four finish a serious possibility.

Reaching the final of the Nedbank Cup will be an added bonus for them and a great achievement. With the experience of Rooi Mahamutsa, Paulus Masehe and Patrick Phungwayo, Stars have a chance of going all the way to the final.

Clashes between these two sides have never been easy to predict.