Komphela ‘won’t give up’ after loss

STEVE Komphela remained defiant about his tenure at Kaizer Chiefs after Saturday’s loss in Port Elizabeth, suggesting he was determined to fight on as coach even though speculation over his future heightened after defeat to Chippa United.

“I have never given up in my life‚” was the answer of the 49year-old Chiefs coach to a question on whether he believed he was still the man to lead the club.

“I have to stay calm and take the punches.

“That is the job of the coach. Who else must be punched? I must stand and be strong. I will only waver the minute I feel the pressure that should be on me is now getting to my players‚” he said after the 3-1 defeat at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Komphela said Chiefs had defended badly and gave too much space behind their left back.

“It was always going to be a tough ask because Chippa play good football.

“We had a good first half and we had a chance to make it 2-0.

“No matter how good you play, if you don’t defend, it can prove costly. It is not a good feeling at the moment but we can’t think about losing. We have to deal with the situation moving forward.”

The Chiefs coach said he did not want to be seen to be making excuses‚ even though he pointed out a lengthy injury list at the club with 11 players sidelined. That will be increased in their next match against Bloemfontein Celtic on December 14, with skipper Willard Katsande suspended with a fourth caution of the season.

“Katsande out must be seen as an opportunity for someone else to take up the position and show what they can do‚” Komphela said.