Komphela compares challenges to US race
FEW coaches are able to work the microphone with the same effortless finesse that oozes out of Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela and it was perhaps not surprising that he even turned to the US presidential race to make a point this week.
Chiefs host Komphela’s former club Maritzburg United at Soccer City in a Telkom Knockout Last 16 match today and he was in his element as he tried to communicate the challenges of one of the toughest coaching jobs in South African football.
“If I were in politics I would say you steal from the statements made by (US presidential candidate) Hillary Clinton regarding the temperament of her counterpart (Donald Trump)‚” he said to the bemusement of the gathered gallery.
“You need to have the temperament to deal with this (job) because it is not an easy environment.
“But the minute you understand the challenge lying ahead‚ then you can cope with ease and deal with the pressure.
“You do not have to then become an ostrich and bury your head under the sand‚ now you cannot hide.”
After a sluggish start to the season that saw Chiefs fans demand the coach’s head on a platter‚ AmaKhosi are now perched at the premiership summit.
Bu there are still some cynics who are far from convinced and believe that Chiefs’ form is not a true reflection of the team’s quality.
Many of these critics are predicting that the wheels will come off and Chiefs will return to their poor early season form.
Komphela has noted the cynicism and he admitted that it hurt to see the lack of faith in his ability.
“There are certain books that I just go and read (when he sees the harsh criticism). Just go and read those books and they will define what you are going through.
“Sometimes it’s painful‚ but it’s a way of making you grow as a person. Under such as well you try to say less and only request for more time and more strength to do more.
“The response should be on the field and that’s what you have to do.”
Komphela will go a long way towards silencing the cynics if he is able to successfully negotiate a way past United today.
United will arrive at Soccer City harbouring ambitions of avenging the defeat they suffered in the league to Chiefs recently.
This game has the making of a gripping encounter and the fans will hope that it lives up to its prematch biling.
This weekend’s Telkom Knockout Last 16 fixtures:
Today: Free State Stars vs Bidvest Wits at Goble Park Stadium (3pm), Kaizer Chiefs vs Maritzburg United at Soccer City (8:15pm), SuperSport United vs Ajax Cape Town at Lucas Moripe Stadium (8:15 pm)
Tomorrow: Orlando Pirates vs Golden Arrows at Orlando Stadium (3pm), Baroka FC vs Platinum Stars at Peter Mokaba Stadium (3pm) — TMG Digital