Komphela loves the criticism

STEVE KOMPHELA doesn’t like to be complimented, he prefers being lambasted.

The Bloemfontein Celtic coach described himself as someone who thrives under pressure.

Celtic were trounced 3-0 by AmaZulu on Wednesday in a PSL tussle at King Zwelithini Stadium.

Emiliano Tade notched up a brace and Siyabonga Nomvethe added the third goal for Usuthu.

Komphela, said after the game that he prefers peace rather than joy.

“I hate being complimented. I just love to be lambasted. The only way you grow, is when you are put through fire. I love fire. I love condemnation. I love refute. I love all these nasty things that people say because the very same person who says nasty things is suffering the same syndrome and they are now taking that and transferring that to you,” Komphela explained.

The 51-year-old came under fire during his tenure with Kaizer Chiefs when he failed to deliver a trophy in three years.

“When someone says something nasty to you, they are just reflecting the nastiness in themselves. I just love that because when they just start saying all these negatives, I just understand that this is a kind of person. They compliment, but take with utmost humility. Don’t bask in the glory of the compliment. It is just joy not peace. There’s a huge difference between joy and peace. Joy is now instant and it will be nice and it will pass but when you have a peace of mind, you are enjoying your life. I prefer peace rather than joy,” he added.

Celtic are sixth on the league standings with 21 points after 13 games. They are six points behind log leaders, Orlando Pirates.

“We can’t be satisfied. Listen, when there are possibilities and chances to get better, why settled for less. We could have fought for this three points and go to Highlands Park get three, go to Cape Town City (and get another three points). You can’t be comfortable because you have challenges and then you will no, let me box as far as that,” Komphela said

“You (have) to give your best. What is available has got to be taken. You can’t be satisfied. There’s still a lot of football to be played. Some of the teams have played 15 games and we have played 13 games. We still have two games to go and there’s a lot that will happen.”