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It’s about continuity – Komphela


“This is a different ball game,” comments coach Steve Komphela ahead of Saturday night’s Telkom Knockout Last 16 fixture against AmaZulu at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium.  “A knockout competition poses different challenges. What’s important is that we continue with what we have been doing.”

Kaizer Chiefs collected four points from their last two league matches against Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.

“We have prepared accordingly for this one,” Komphela adds. “Much has been said about AmaZulu’s abilities, but despite this we are focused on our own preparedness. We are sharp and the players have responded well to the preparations for this match.”

Amakhosi and Usuthu last locked horns in a league clash on 9 April 2015. That was before AmaZulu got relegated to the first division. The Glamour Boys won thanks to a goal from Bernard Parker in the 18th minute.

“We have Lorenzo back in the squad,” confirms Komphela, referring to Gordinho, who has been out with a fractured rib. “We are happy to have him back. However, don’t forget how well Ngezana did in his absence.”

Siyabonga Ngezana showed great form on his debut against Sundowns and in the following encounter against Pirates.

“Siya travelled with the squad, despite having written exams on Friday,” Komphela says. “That was possible because we have a development program that fuses football and academics. We are supporting him to do well both on the field and at school.”

William Twala, meanwhile, didn’t travel with the squad due to a slight injury.

“We are ready and look forward to get on with the business,” Komphela concludes. “We have their script. They have a good coach in Cavin Johnson and great players with experience in Siyabonga Nomvethe and Mabhuti Khenyeza. We are ready for all those factors.”

The stage is set for one of the traditional encounters in South African.  Football matches don’t come as tantalising as this one between Amakhosi and Usuthu.

Chiefs host AmaZulu at home away from home at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, 28 October (kick-off is at 20:15).
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