Biblical Steve warns Chiefs suitors
Amakhosi coach warns ‘ambitious’ rivals over his job
Steve Komphela yesterday invoked the Bible to fire back at those who may be seeking to replace him as Kaizer Chiefs coach in three months’ time.
Speculation is now in overdrive regarding Komphela’s future, with a few names being bandied about who could step into his shoes at Naturena when his contract runs out at the end of June.
But the Amakhosi trainer, speaking at a press conference yesterday, resorted to Biblical quotes to warn off his detractors.
He said coaches should respect their current employers by refraining from pronouncing their interest in positions at other clubs. “What you do to others there’s a possibility it will happen to you. Do unto others as you wish they will do unto you – that’s not me, but the Bible. The next thing they say I’m a priest.”
Sowetan reported yesterday that Township Rollers coach Nikola Kavazovic had been earmarked to replace Komphela. Free State Stars coach Luc Eymael is also thought to be in the running.
Komphela, meanwhile, was his usual calm self when breaking his silence on the rumours surrounding his possible successor.
Without mentioning any names, Komphela had some advice for his fellow coaches and warned them that it’s not a good idea talking about their interest in someone else’s job.
“I don’t downplay things and you have to be realistic, and again the fact remains I have a job and a duty to perform at Chiefs as a professional until the last second,” he said at the official press conference ahead of Chiefs’ Nedbank Cup quarterfinal against Baroka on Saturday (Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, 8.15pm).
“With regard to ambitions from outside, listen, there’s nothing wrong with that; everybody wants a best position and when people feel, ‘I want to do it’.
“But sometimes it just baffles you when a colleague makes declarations that are tempting to respond to, and one thing I was taught by my parents is [to] refrain.
“If you feel what you are going to say might not be positive, better keep your mouth zipped; I choose to keep my mouth zipped.”
Komphela continued: “An ambition kills; leadership must be given and not be demanded.”
Chiefs must beat Baroka to stand a chance of sending Komphela out with a bang – should his contract not be renewed.