An onslaught from Bidvest Wits almost shook Kaizer Chiefs to their foundations, but the result of an unconvincing 1-0 Absa Premiership victory on Tuesday night is that Amakhosi are right back in the title race.

If Chiefs coach Steve Komphela was shaken by the experience, he was not showing it in the post-match interviews. Komphela chose to shift focus, pointing out that Amakhosi were now just a point behind Wits.

"We want people to come and enjoy the game. Everybody who comes here wants to see a game that's beautiful and pleasing.

"But for us as athletes we're looking more at the result. It was crucial that we got the three points," Komphela said.

"The players did their best. We had to fight and dig deep to get this result. And we are pleased to go away with three points.

"It was a big match for both teams. And I'm sure if you were to go to Gavin Hunt and ask him, 'would you want a draw or a loss?', he would have said a draw.

"Because as is, we are a point away from Wits. Had they won they would have been four points away from us. So we're happy to be where we are."

Komphela might have admitted that his side were practically nowhere in a game where Wits owned possession and territory and had close to a dozen clear-cut chances.

Chiefs' goal came completely against the run of play from George Maluleka's well-placed 59th-minute free-kick, awarded after a handball by Wits defender Bongani Khumalo.

Amakhosi have won three matches in a row for the first time this season to be back in the title race.

Chiefs will need far more convincing form if they are to remain title contenders.

Komphela, though, can draw some comfort from the performance of big Reyaad Pieterse, who helped keep Wits at bay with a commanding performance in goal on Tuesday.

"You've got three goalkeepers - Itu [Itumeleng Khune], Brilliant [Khuzwayo] and Reyaad. We are happy they are performing well, but the challenge is still that they have to maintain such performances," the Chiefs coach said.

"I'm happy - great saves. Reyaad assisted us when we needed it most. And we are delighted."

Chiefs meet Volcan Club in the Comoros on Sunday in the first leg of a CAF Champions League preliminary round tie.