Embattled Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela is a happy man as he will not have to go down ‘stress avenue’ in the Carling Black Label Cup, which is one of the off season’s most prestigious cup competitions.
The cup competition between Chiefs and bitter rivals Orlando Pirates will be played at the FNB Stadium on 30 July this year. Komphela will have to sit on the sidelines in the dugout for this game since the rules of the cup dictate that fans vote for their starting lineup of players, substitutes as well as coach for the day.
The coach voted for by the fans takes over from the team’s coach at pre-training sessions and during the derby itself, although the team coach is available on an advisory basis.
“I am happy the league is reaching a climax now and I have to go back to the drawing board and strategise for the next season, including going into the market in search of new football diamonds to take us to new heights in the next season,” said Komphela at the launch of the cup competition at Park Station in downtown Jozi.
“I am relieved that the Carling Cup takes the pressure off me… But the relief is that I do not have to go down ‘stress avenue’ again.”
Amakhosi fans have been calling for Komphela’s head because the team has not won any silverware this season, and has been thrashed left, right and centre by all and sundry in the Absa Premiership.
But what the fans forget is that former coach, Englishman Stuart Baxter, also never won any silverware in his first season and, therefore, some fans, including Chiefs owner and chairperson Kaizer ‘Chintja Guluva’ Motaung, are calling for Komphela to be given enough time.
“I am confident that Amakhosi will use this offseason derby in the Carling Cup to bring back the lost pride in one of the biggest brands in local football,” Komphela said.
