Pressure mounts on Komphela

Durban - Missiles flew as Kaizer Chiefs succumbed to their second Absa Premiership defeat at the hands of Baroka FC at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday night. 

Chiefs coach Steve Komphela is probably asking himself what does he needs to do to beat Baroka FC.

At the end of the game, angry Chiefs faithfuls were heard chanting “Steve must go” and other others “Steve must fall” after their disappointing defeat.

They waited for the beleaguered coach at the entrance of the tunnel to vent their frustration.

Never beaten Baroka

Captain Itumeleng Khune and Siphiwe Tshabalala came to his defence as they tried to calm the angry mob.

And police and security personnel had to work overtime to try to protect Komphela from the irate supporters.

This was after they had to witness yet another below-par performance as Bakgaga came from behind to beat their team 2-1.

The win took Kgoloko Thobejane and his troops to the top of the Absa Premiership table for the first time this season.

Before this game, Amakhosi had never beaten Baroka in a competitive match and this was not to change.

Last time there was a winner between these two was back in 2011 when the Limpopo side, who were then still playing in the Vodacom League, upset Chiefs 2-1 in the Nedbank Cup.

Haunt them

Last season both of their league matches ended in draws. However, Chiefs had no one but themselves to blame on Saturday for the loss, particularly after taking an early lead only to lose in the end.

It took the home side only eight minutes to register their name on the score sheet.

George Maluleka, who was coming back from an injury that kept him out for two matches, scored a thunder strike that left Baroka number one Virgil Vries with no chance.

That goal gave hope to the half-full Moses Mabhida Stadium that maybe it was their night.

But Thobejane’s team had other ideas as they got their equaliser after 21 minutes.

Former Amakhosi striker Lewis Macha came back to haunt them with an equaliser when he beat Eric Mathoho to a header.

Outside the box

Second half saw Baroka pushing for a second goal and they were awarded in the 58 minute when former Orlando Pirates striker Gift Motupa beat Khune in the near post for what eventually was the winner.

Baroka, who have now collected 15 points from seven matches, remain unbeaten, together with Golden Arrows, who drew 1-1 with Chippa United earlier in the day.

It was Chippa’s fourth successive draw since Teboho Moloi took over the coaching reins.

Chippa scored their goal when veteran striker Katlego Mashego took a free kick in the 53rd minute.

This was after referee Victor Gomes penalised Nkanyiso Cele for handling outside the box.

But a resilient Arrows were not about to lie down.

Bragging rights

Akpeyi was finally beaten as there was nothing he could do to keep Knox Mutizwa from levelling the score in the 65th minute.

In another league game, Cape Town City warmed up to the MTN8 final with a comfortable 2-0 victory over home boys Ajax Cape Town in a fierce derby on Saturday. 

Goals from Victor Obinna and Judas Moseamedi were enough for the Citizens to claim the bragging rights over their rivals at Cape Town Stadium.

City will play SuperSport United in the final of the top-eight competition in Durban in a fortnight’s time, and yesterday’s victory brought some much-needed motivation ahead of the final.