Despite seeing his side progress into the semifinals of the MTN8 on Wednesday night following a 5-3 victory over Maritzburg United, Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela says his side can do better.
Chiefs had to come from two goals behind (trailing 2-0 at half time) before taking the lead and then surrendering it in the dying minutes of regulation time due to a defensive error and own goal from Siyanda Xulu that saw the 90 minutes end 3-3.
Xulu and Hendrick Ekstein then scored in extra time to see Chiefs run out victorious in the MTN8 quarterfinal match at FNB stadium on Wednesday night.
Speaking after the match Komphela said his team can do better and was clearly not happy they conceded three goals.
"In the second half we started very well," said Komphela.
"The three goals that we conceded, I think we can do better.
"It is totally uncharacteristic of our team to be conceding like that, but sometimes you need that so that there is a test of character.
"In the dressing room (at half time) all that we said is, 'listen, adversity is the breakfast of champions. If we are going to defend this trophy then we need to come out of this mud and we have to start better in the second half,' which we did.
"The rest is history.
"Eight goals in a match like this was exciting, but nerve wracking for us on the bench."
Reflecting on Chiefs mistakes which led to Maritzburg's goals, Komphela praised his former team's tactics.
"Any team that is looking to build in their play is vulnerable or susceptible to counter-attacks, so all that you need to do is that when you retain the ball, when you progress, you are very careful in terms of usage," added the Amakhosi coach.
"They (Maritzburg) were very smart – they sat central and waited for that mistake to occur to hit on the counter, so when we start to build our attack they are ready to launch because naturally any attacking team is in an offensive position and defensively they are out of balance.
"They took advantage of that, but these are things we were aware of, but they were better off in terms of actions and our reactions were not that prompt."
