Steve shrugs off criticism
Too soft and too predictable are some of the accusations being levelled at the Kaizer Chiefs’ coach following the team’s early exit from the MTN8.
Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela has batted away accusations he is too soft on his players and too rigid in his tactical approach to offer the club any solution to their current malaise. “Sometimes power possessed and abused is not right. But power possessed and properly used is powerful,” said Komphela is his typically lyrical fashion as elimination from the MTN8 just over a week ago raised familiar questions about his ability to deliver a trophy at the club.
“There are a lot of ways to work with people without having to show too much power. There is a lot of precedent for coaches who lord their power over players proving unsuccessful. Once you are powerful you must know how to use it in the right way.”
Komphela (50) is in his third season with Chiefs, but the club once regarded as the cup kings of South African football have not won a single trophy since he replaced Stuart Baxter in 2015.
Among the reasons, say pundits, is a predictable approach from Komphela and an over reliance on players who are past their sell-by date like Siphiwe Tshabalala.
Others, like Pule Eksteen have not lived up to their potential and the coach has not been helped by a bevy of mediocre signings made by the club’s football manager Bobby Motaung.
“We always look at different strategies and when sometimes it doesn’t work, you don’t keep on doing it the same way,” Komphela insisted to TAB SPORTS Express. “You apply different approaches and I think I do that often.”
The debate of Komphela’s competence to drive Chiefs back to the winners’ podium dominated the pre-season build-up and has picked up steam after the 1-0 loss to SuperSport United in Durban in the MTN8 quarter-final.
Komphela always insists he thrives on pressure, but persistent questioning of his credentials is obviously proving wearisome.
Chiefs’ did not get off to a good start in their bid for a first league title in three years when they drew at Bloemfontein Celtic on Sunday.
“We know it’s not going to be easy but we must seek to be positive. We have to be optimistic. But we know the league is never easy. But I’ve seen Chiefs playing matches recently where we have shown positive signs. I have no doubt in our ability. It’s now about continuing working and getting results,” Komphela added.