×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Komphela out to reclaim Chiefs' glory

After a difficult first campaign as Kaizer Chiefs coach last season, Steve Komphela is bracing himself for an even tougher battle for the Absa Premiership title.

A fifth-place finish in the league and two cup final defeats last term were just not good enough by Amakhosi's standards, but Komphela is fired up for the coming season.

Komphela feels defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns could be affected by fatigue because of CAF Champions League commitments, while he expects Bidvest Wits and Orlando Pirates to come out stronger after trophy-less seasons.

"It's going to be very tight. Sundowns are campaigning in Africa and it's not going to be easy to maintain such performance. At some stage fatigue and lack of interest will creep in. There's going to be a stage where players will say we are sick and tired of training," Komphela said. "Those who did not achieve last season will try [to] work harder to achieve something. There's just a whole lot of different scenarios, but we have to concentrate on our own scenario, where we say let's take these 30 matches as 30 cup finals. It comes with a lot of concentration and consistency."

Komphela said one of the biggest lessons from last season was accepting responsibility. "You cannot shy away from that. Expectations are clear. You have to win matches and win trophies. Being number two is not good enough at Chiefs."

Amakhosi play Bidvest Wits at Bidvest Stadium tomorrow (7.30pm).

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.