Playing three centre-backs is widely regarded as "parking the bus", but Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela seems confident that this formation can eventually yield positive results.

Chiefs have recently used three natural centre-backs and two full-backs. That method has people questioning Komphela's hunger for goals.

"Sometimes you hear a coach complaining that you sit at the back and park the bus. It is not parking the bus but it is part of strategy. If they have parked the bus, then you must find a way to open them up," Komphela said.

"The most painful part of it is that it depends on who does it, had it been Jose Mourinho [Manchester United coach] that would have been seen as a master plan. When our own does something, we disrespect him."

Despite failing to score a goal in their last four encounters, Chiefs are, again, likely to utilise five defenders when they host Free State Stars tomorrow at Moses Mabhida Stadium (6pm).

"If you are playing three centre-backs and three midfielders, it is high offence and you are attacking," insisted the Amakhosi mentor.

Amid the escalating pressure to deliver, Komphela believes coaching the Soweto giants has helped him in terms of building his character, especially because of the insults he has been subjected to by fans.

"I am not the same person I was when I came here. You do not have to be a coward."

In their mid-week match against AmaZulu, Mulomowandau Mathoho and Siphiwe Tshabalala, strangely, did not start, and it remains to be seen if they will return to the starting line-up against Stars.

Komphela handed debut to Zimbabwean defender Teenage Hadebe ahead of Mathoho during the goalless draw against Usuthu.