Cape Town - Kaizer Chiefs head coach Steve Komphela said he sympathises with Amakhosi fans despite chants of 'Steve Must Go' following their defeat to Chippa United.

"We don't fight back [against the chants]. You understand the frustration [from the fans] - because when things don't work, the coach is accountable naturally," Komphela told SuperSport in his post-match interview.

"That's leadership. In any position, when things are not working, a point of reference is the one in charge and you accept that in leadership."

Amakhosi were unable to respond after the Chilli Boys took an early lead in the first-half with a well-worked goal by Abel Mabaso as the scores ended 1-0 in favour of the Eastern Cape side.

"I think in the first half, we committed an error right at the beginning and that was the defining moment," Komphela said. 

"With respect - they did well, Chippa, but I thought in the second half, there was only one team on the park.

"I think the number of chances we created was more than they did, but all we need to do is hit the back of the net."

A victory would have lifted the Soweto giants into the top four with two remaining fixtures before heading into the festive season.

Komphela has again come under intense scrutiny by supporters after now having gone four games without a win with a toothless attack failing to hit the back of the net regularly.

Chiefs have already endured seven draws of their 13 Absa Premiership matches while only winning three games and being held to three draws.

Meanwhile, Chippa are behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns in second place with 19 points.

Platinum Stars play host to Chiefs on Saturday, December 9 at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium.

Kick off is at 18:00.