Komphela slams error-strewn Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs are slowly slipping behind in the Absa Premiership title race with Saturday night’s draw against struggling Baroka FC not doing their ambitions any good.

Amakhosi are still fourth, with 36 points but have played more games than the two teams above them – Bidvest Wits and SuperSport United – and Mamelodi Sundowns who are behind them in fifth place.

Steve Komphela could do nothing as his team battled against bottom team Bakgaga who will be happy with a draw although they could have easily won in Polokwane.

Before Saturday’s match, Komphela had admitted that his team needed a good result to put them in good stead ahead of crucial April fixtures which he believes will decide the league title destination.

“We need a good result to put us on a good footing for April which will be a decider when it comes to who will take the league title,” Komphela had said.

The Glamour Boys opened the scoring early in the first half when Erick Mathoho slotted home from close range, finishing off a Bernard Parker cross. But a resilient Bakgaga equalised just three minutes later, with Victor Lesoalo driving his shot hitting the cross bar and bouncing over the line before coming back into play, and referee, Victor Gomes correctly awarded the goal.

Amakhosi took the lead again just before half time when Parker scored from a penalty conceded by Olaleng Shaku. But Bakgaga ensured the spoils were shared when Mxolisi Kunene went on a brilliant run, rounding several defenders before slotting past Itumeleng Khune.

But after the match, a forlorn-looking Komphela sounded like a man who knows he is fighting a losing battle in a post-match TV interview, saying the goals they conceded were due to lapses in concentration, something that should not be happening in a team chasing the Premiership trophy at this time of the season.

“We could have done better. In the first goal, we lost possession in the middle and we paid the price. In the second, we let the runner to go on,” said Komphela.

Amakhosi’s next assignment is set for April 1 against defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns at the FNB Stadium.