In a gripping encounter between Moroka Swallows and Kaizer Chiefs, the Dube Birds’ head coach, Steve Komphela, expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance but bemoaned the missed chances that led to their 1-0 defeat against the Glamour Boys.
Despite a goalless first half, Chiefs secured the victory with Christian Saile finding the net ten minutes before the final whistle. Komphela acknowledged his team’s valiant effort, stating, “We put on a hell of a good fight.” However, he lamented the squandered opportunities that could have seen his side take the lead.
Reflecting on key moments, Komphela highlighted two critical chances: a free-kick from Gabadinho Mhango and an opportunity for Lindokuhle Mtshali. He likened these misses to holding a piece of chocolate and not taking a bite, emphasizing the importance of converting such chances in tight matches.
“The first 30 minutes of the game, we couldn’t put our feet on the ground, we couldn’t settle down,” Komphela observed. He attributed this to the press mode initially chosen by his team, acknowledging that once they shifted gears, they began to assert themselves and dictate the game.
90 + 5’| #SWA 0 : 1 #CHI
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) November 26, 2023
Full time score: Moroka Swallows 0 : 1 Kaizer Chiefs (Saile 82’)
DStv Man of the Match: Christian Saile#Amakhosi4Life #DStvPrem #Khosified pic.twitter.com/lqVTVXQBsC
Discussing the defensive lapse that led to Kaizer Chiefs’ winning goal, Komphela admitted it was an unfortunate mistake. He referenced the team’s accustomed style of playing out from the back and acknowledged the need to learn from such errors. “The greatest growth happens in discomfort,” he emphasized, noting that players must confront and learn from their mistakes.
Keenan Phillips, involved in the defensive error, received specific advice from Komphela: “Listen, you have to live in the here and now. Don’t forget what happened, it’s gone, it’s in the past, but the greatest growth happens in discomfort.” The coach expressed confidence that Phillips would not repeat the same mistake.
Looking ahead, the Dube Birds are gearing up for their next DStv Premiership clash against SuperSport United at Dobsonville Stadium on December 15. As they aim to bounce back from this narrow defeat, the focus for Moroka Swallows will be on capitalizing on opportunities and maintaining defensive solidity in upcoming matches.
