Komphela taints Madiba’s legacy

Even by the standards of a country where making excuses and blaming others has become something of a national pastime, the comments over the weekend from embattled Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela were eyebrow-raising.

After his team drew 1-1 with Bloemfontein Celtic in the Premiership, the less-than-successful coach – he has yet to bring home any major silverware – likened himself to Nelson Mandela.

Referencing his own “struggle” to that of Madiba because there have been repeated calls for his resignation by disgruntled fans, Komphela said Mandela had, in all his 27 years in prison, still “kept the faith”.

“So, if you are a leader and you … don’t get exactly what you think you deserve, it is preparation for the next platform.”

It is absurd, Mr Komphela, for you to even come close to comparing your present discomfort with the suffering Madiba endured for years. The apartheid system was a little bit more formidable than a few irate football fans.

Secondly, Mandela was, to use a sporting analogy, the captain who brought home the precious trophies of democracy and freedom while, at the same time, fostering amazing spirit in “Team South Africa”.

Do not try to sully his truly remarkable legacy. Put more effort into your own …