KAIZER Chiefs winless streak continued last night when they were held to a 1-1 draw by SuperSport United in an Absa Premiership match at the FNB Stadium last night.
This was Chiefs fifth match without a win which has added more pressure on coach Steve Komphela.
The result angered a section of Chiefs fans that demanded Komphela’s resignaton while congratulating their former coach Stuart Baxter.
Komphela continued to chop and change his starting line-up that has failed to win their past four matches. He made three changes to the side that lost 2-1 to African Champions Mamelodi Sundowns in their last league game at the weekend. He brought in defender Tsepo Masilela for the injured Sibusiso Khumalo, while George Lebese replaced Daniel Cardoso and Edmore Chirambadare came in for Louis Macha upfront. The outspoken mentor also changed his unfamiliar 3-5-2 formation that came under heavy criticism after their loss to Free State Stars (in the Telkom Knockout) and the Brazilians. He opted for a 4-5-1 pattern hoping his charges will turn their fortunes around having dominated United last season. They walloped them 4-1 in the first round, followed by a 2-1 win in the second round.
This was United’s second consecutive draw as rookies Baroka FC also held them by the same margin. Their failure to win the game could affect their confidence ahead of their crucial Telkom Knockout semifinals clash against Orlando Pirates at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday (6pm).
Supersport came into the match eager to maintain their nine match unbeaten record. The last time the Tshwane side lost a match was on 24 August when Platinum Stars defeated them 1-0.
SuperSport winger Thabo Mnyamane broke the stalemate in the 30th minutes when he converted Jeremy Brockie’s telling cross on the right flank giving keeper Itumeleng Khune no chance. However, their celebrations were shortened considering that a minute later Lebese repaid Komphela for giving him the nod when he grabbed the equaliser with a cool finish from inside the penalty box leaving keeper Reyaad Pieterse flat footed.
Chiefs change of pattern was evident as they could have scored three goals in the first half with Lebese in the thick of action. Amakhosi fans were unhappy when Lebese was substituted in the 73rd minute as they enjoyed every minute he was on the ball.
In other matches: Bidvest Wits 2 - 2 Highlands Park; Polokwane City 1 - 0 Free State Stars; Bloemfontein Celtic 2 - 1 Baroka FC
