Football
Nick Said, Special to ESPN 6y

Komphela unmoved by protests as Kaizer Chiefs reach for the Stars

There were more protests from Kaizer Chiefs fans at the end of Wednesday's 1-0 away defeat by Chippa United, but it looks unlikely that coach Steve Komphela will be going anywhere soon as he prepares to take his side to improving Platinum Stars in South Africa's Absa Premiership on Saturday.

Chiefs look poised to move in the January transfer and add at least one striker, which could be a game-changer for a side that creates chances, but has a difficulty in putting them away.

Nine goals conceded in 13 league games to date suggests there is not much wrong with the defence, but they are averaging less than one per game (11) at the other end, which has been their Achilles heel.

On the face of it, Chiefs are only three points off leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, but they have played three games more and therein lies the reason why they are an outside bet only for the title.

They are also only two points ahead of SuperSport United, but have played a whopping six games more than Matsatsantsa in what is a skewed league table.

Komphela spoke about pressure and keeping the faith in his post-match interview after the Chippa loss, but it looks as though he will be given the January transfer window at least to get things right.

"At our position, you can't think like everybody else. In as much as you feel an element of frustration, you can't show frustration. You have to keep working on this," Komphela told reporters [as per Kick Off].

"You are the last one to lose hope; you are the last to show frustration, because at the back of whatever your actions or reactions, there are players, supporters, everybody, so you are the first one who must always give hope.

"That requires strength - you must be very strong to withstand that. But there's a need for us to take these chances, there's no match we play in which we don't get chances, and clear-cut chances that you're saying, 'but when is this thing going to hit the back of the net?'

"But you can't lose hope, you can never. You have to keep working and remain hopeful forever, irrespective of the circumstances."

Orlando Pirates take on inconsistent AmaZulu later that same evening and also have the need to turn possession and chance creation into goals.

They could go top of the league with a win as Sundowns are only in action on Sunday, but Usuthu have proven a tough nut on their travels so far this season.

SuperSport host Cape Town City on Saturday afternoon, with the latter suddenly unable to string wins together and falling off the championship pace.

Bidvest Wits take their strange league form to struggling Polokwane City at the same time, needing to somehow find a way to stop missing sitters.

Egyptian Amr Gamal has been a culprit all season and missed another open goal in the 0-0 draw with Ajax on Wednesday. The latter will play a 'home' game against Chippa United at the Bidvest Stadium in Johannesburg with no venues available in Cape Town, and will hope their luck continues so that they can pick up a 'home' win on the road.

Sundowns look in fine form and are coming off a thumping 4-0 victory over Baroka FC in midweek in which both Percy Tau and Khama Billiat were outstanding.

Some of the football displayed by The Brazilians was superb and they will hope to keep that up at organised, but limited, Lamontville Golden Arrows on Sunday.

The final match of the weekend is a provincial derby as Free State Stars travel to Bloemfontein Celtic on Sunday.

Both sides have been in decent form of late, but expect a tight encounter and probably a draw.

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