Steve raving about players

Since joining Mamelodi Sundowns as their senior coach, never has Steve Komphela ( above) beamed with as much pride as he did on Tuesday night, when he oversaw a 2-0 DStv Premiership win over TS Galaxy.

The match was played with heavy emotion as Sundowns are still processing the death of Motjeka Madisha, which the club are yet to officially confirm as they await DNA results.

“I must compliment our team for putting up a fight because this was a difficult one...it was more mental than otherwise. The result was supposed to be delivered to our supporters, our staff and everybody at Sundowns so that it eases the pain of the events we are going through. We are delighted with the victory.

“How can you explain emotions? No words are appropriate enough to explain that. Pride is something that comes along with understanding what is ahead of you and why you have to suffer. It gives great confidence in people you are working with,” said Komphela.

“Above all, under the circumstances, we said we must get all three points, keep moving and, yes, we are marching on,” added Komphela, who led the team from the dugout as Manqoba Mngqithi is serving a suspension while his co-head coach, Rulani Mokwena is in self-isolation.

Sundowns did not have the appetite to play this game but had their request to postpone the match declined by the Premier Soccer League.

The decision was viewed as inconsiderate, if social media reaction was anything to go by, but Komphela is delighted that the football gods smiled upon Masandawana.

“One thing to echo is that the game itself defines that if you are focused enough and consider carefully what has to be done, the universe will definitely align and help you. Look at the crossbar they hit and the penalty they missed.

“Our players understood that we are in a position of privilege and pride to be able to play and represent Sundowns and they did extremely well.”