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Johannesburg - Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela has
praised the immediate impact veterans Siphiwe Tshabalala and Bernard Parker had
on the team during Wednesday's 1-0 league win over Highlands Park.
The victory ended Chiefs' extended streak without a win and greatly relieved the pressure on Komphela too.
The Glamour Boys had started the season in uncertain
fashion, with a loss to Bidvest Wits in the league, and a defeat to ABSA
Premiership new boys Cape Town City in the MTN8.
An unconvincing 1-1 draw with Platinum Stars meant the
pressure on Komphela was intense, and some were already questioning whether he
was potentially in the firing line to be replaced.
With that said, George Lebese's second-half penalty gave
Chiefs a much-needed victory over the Lions of the North - a match in which
Tshabalala and Parker made impactful cameos off the bench.
'Shabba' was making his return from a knee injury, whereas
Parker featured after having seemingly fallen out favour due to a loss of form
in recent times.
Nonetheless, Komphela praised the duo and reserved some
extra plaudits for Tshabalala.
The 49-year-old told reporters, "Shabba is an icon.
Even for the other players. He came in and lifted the game. Parker as well.
"Yet, we have to acknowledge the man (Tshabalala) has been out for four months and even though he played MultiChoice Diski Challenge recently - the intensity, ambiance and environment are not the same."
