Komphela banks on versatile Cardoso
by Marc Strydom,
2016-02-25 07:32:31.0
DANIEL Cardoso brings versatility to Kaizer Chiefs’ defence, said Amakhosi coach Steve Komphela after handing the defender his first start at rightback in Tuesday ’s 1-1 Premiership draw against Polokwane City at FNB Stadium.
The draw — in which City goalkeeper George Chigova’s inspired second-half performance denied Chiefs victory — ended a run of four wins that had seen Amakhosi edge up to third place in the PSL and back as outside contenders to defend their title.
Cardoso, 27, who has spent most of the season injured since joining Chiefs in the off-season, replaced Siboniso Gaxa at right-back in the Amakhosi defence. The former Free State Stars defender — normally a centreback — made his Chiefs debut substituting a limping Gaxa in the 2-1 win over SuperSport United at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
"Having Cardoso, who can play anywhere — leftback, rightback or centreback — gives us comfort in defence. Because you have Cardoso, ‘Tower’ (Mulomowandau Mathoho) and Lorenzo Gordinho," Komphela said.
"If we had a normal fullback you would be less comfortable at times switching to three centrebacks. All of them can cover the width in defence and challenge in the air. Cardoso can also use the ball.
" He played much better in Cape Town. But there is also mileage on the legs. Confidence comes and then you play better."
Komphela took a fatalistic approach to a draw that, had the ball fallen kindly in some close-range second-half chances, would have been a victory.
Asked if the result was a setback, the coach replied: "Honestly, n o. You want to win every match…. But the fact that we didn’t, you cannot change. We have to take advantage of where we are and perhaps it’s an opportunity for us to lift the players again."
Chiefs’ form might have arrived late, but they are showing signs of fulfilling opposition coaches’ warnings not to write them off.
Komphela said his players were motivated to keep plugging away at a single-figure gap with leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
"The war cry is that we are the current champions — you have to defend it. With regards to how we approach it, we take it one game at a time," the Chiefs coach said.
As much as Chigova pulled off some fine saves, Amakhosi’s strikers should have buried their chances, he added.
"Compliments should go to the goalkeeper, but we made it easy for him not being composed enough. There were a number of chances inside the small box I thought we were also unlucky to not convert," Komphela said.
Polokwane coach Julio Leal said 24-year-old Chigova, signed from SuperSport United in July, has matured this season.
"When I arrived, he was a bit overweight. He worked with goalkeeper coach Modiri Marumo and is in better shape and has improved his agility," Leal said. "He is very good technically and has the height for modern football. He’s one of the leaders in the team."
Chiefs turn their attention to the second leg of their Caf Champions League preliminary round tie against Comoros Volcan Club de Moroni at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday night (they lead 4-0).
City are out of action until their Nedbank Cup first-round match against African All Stars at Peter Mokaba Stadium on March 6.
Steve Komphela. Picture: VELI NHLAPO
DANIEL Cardoso brings versatility to Kaizer Chiefs’ defence, said Amakhosi coach Steve Komphela after handing the defender his first start at rightback in Tuesday ’s 1-1 Premiership draw against Polokwane City at FNB Stadium.
The draw — in which City goalkeeper George Chigova’s inspired second-half performance denied Chiefs victory — ended a run of four wins that had seen Amakhosi edge up to third place in the PSL and back as outside contenders to defend their title.
Cardoso, 27, who has spent most of the season injured since joining Chiefs in the off-season, replaced Siboniso Gaxa at right-back in the Amakhosi defence. The former Free State Stars defender — normally a centreback — made his Chiefs debut substituting a limping Gaxa in the 2-1 win over SuperSport United at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
"Having Cardoso, who can play anywhere — leftback, rightback or centreback — gives us comfort in defence. Because you have Cardoso, ‘Tower’ (Mulomowandau Mathoho) and Lorenzo Gordinho," Komphela said.
"If we had a normal fullback you would be less comfortable at times switching to three centrebacks. All of them can cover the width in defence and challenge in the air. Cardoso can also use the ball.
" He played much better in Cape Town. But there is also mileage on the legs. Confidence comes and then you play better."
Komphela took a fatalistic approach to a draw that, had the ball fallen kindly in some close-range second-half chances, would have been a victory.
Asked if the result was a setback, the coach replied: "Honestly, n o. You want to win every match…. But the fact that we didn’t, you cannot change. We have to take advantage of where we are and perhaps it’s an opportunity for us to lift the players again."
Chiefs’ form might have arrived late, but they are showing signs of fulfilling opposition coaches’ warnings not to write them off.
Komphela said his players were motivated to keep plugging away at a single-figure gap with leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
"The war cry is that we are the current champions — you have to defend it. With regards to how we approach it, we take it one game at a time," the Chiefs coach said.
As much as Chigova pulled off some fine saves, Amakhosi’s strikers should have buried their chances, he added.
"Compliments should go to the goalkeeper, but we made it easy for him not being composed enough. There were a number of chances inside the small box I thought we were also unlucky to not convert," Komphela said.
Polokwane coach Julio Leal said 24-year-old Chigova, signed from SuperSport United in July, has matured this season.
"When I arrived, he was a bit overweight. He worked with goalkeeper coach Modiri Marumo and is in better shape and has improved his agility," Leal said. "He is very good technically and has the height for modern football. He’s one of the leaders in the team."
Chiefs turn their attention to the second leg of their Caf Champions League preliminary round tie against Comoros Volcan Club de Moroni at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday night (they lead 4-0).
City are out of action until their Nedbank Cup first-round match against African All Stars at Peter Mokaba Stadium on March 6.
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