KAIZER Chiefs coach Steve Komphela has stressed the importance of running their own race instead of constantly worrying about what defending Absa Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns are doing.
The fifth-placed Brazilians have five games in hand on Amakhosi, who occupy third spot. Chiefs are a point behind leaders Bidvest Wits on 30 points and Downs are four points behind them.
Said Komphela: “It’s highly competitive and very difficult to win matches in the PSL. It’s a reflection of how tight it is at the top.
“You are dealing with people who have points. You have to play catch-up and the number of matches means there is a big work load on players.
“Dynamics change, you will get lack of form, suspensions and injuries. Sundowns still have to play five games – a lot can happen. So it’s better to add points when we can and make it difficult for them.”
Komphela has warned his charges to be cautious when they host relegation-haunted Highlands Park at Moses Mabhida Stadium tomorrow (6pm). The venue has not been a happy hunting ground for Amakhosi, as they have won only one league match there, a 2-0 victory over Ajax Cape Town, drawing the other game 0-0 with Baroka.
They also lost on penalties to Free State Stars following a 2-2 stalemate in the Telkom Knockout.
Added Komphela: “We watched them play recently and it’s quite clear what Gordon (Igesund) is doing. Their position in the log table makes this game more difficult – they are fighting for their lives. They pose a big threat up-front and out wide when they go forward.
“If you don’t deal with that you will have problems. Where they are in the table is not a true reflexion of who they are. They will throw everything at us, but we will be ready.”
Komphela is not worried that his strikers are firing blanks in front of goal. “We are getting goals from all areas, the centre, out wide and from set-pieces. We have scored 23 goals now and the highest scorers are on 26.
“Our match average is two goals, we have never scored more than four goals in a match. Even though we don’t score through strikers, I am happy because we’re scoring consistently.”
