Touchline antics to steal the show

Thobejane, Komphela set to take centre stage

There won’t be a dull moment on and off the field when Kaizer Chiefs and Baroka FC clash at Moses Mabhida Stadium tomorrow (6pm). Expected to take centrestage are two colourful characters in opposing coaches Kgoloko Thobejane and Steve Komphela. Add Baroka assistant coach MacDonald Makhubedu to this, then you have a potent mix. Makhubedu, former Acornbush United mentor, ridiculed Komphela in their Nedbank Cup meeting in April Komphela or “Mr English” to some for his flowery comments in media interviews, will face off against Thobejane, whose pre- and postmatch comments are as hilarious as those of his Amakhosi counterpart. Another contrasting element between the two former school teachers is their dress code. Komphela, 50, is likely to come out in a designer suit, while Thobejane is expected to come out clad in the club’s tracksuits – perhaps ready to make his trademark somersault celebrations.

On the field, second-placed Baroka are performing better than last season, while Chiefs, in fourth position, are trying to change their fortunes.

“If you have less respect for others you undermine [them], and we never do that,” Komphela remarked at the club’s Naturena village yesterday.

While many would possibly look down on Thobejane as a coach – and his funny comments don’t help his cause – Komphela has nothing but respect for the man.

‘ ‘ If you have less respect for others, you undermine them ...

“I have great respect for the man [Thobejane], and the fact that – I wish I could have said this some other time – you speak English better is no sign of intelligence and the fact that you don’t speak English that well is no sign of lack thereof,” he said.

Thobejane enhanced his popularity with the now famous “football can kill you” line. Komphela certainly took a jibe at Thobejane when he quipped: “[Football] is like love, it’s a universal language. It will kill you.”

Komphela acknowledged that Baroka have transformed into a difficult side to beat, which makes for a tough clash.

“It’s a strong team and in the previous season, with respect again, they were not as strong as they are now.

“They are highly competitive, so it’s not by fluke,” he added.

Amakhosi will be without influential midfielder Willard Katsande, who’s serving a onematch suspension.