Former Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela and Pitso Mosimane of Mamelodi Sundowns during the Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns press conference at Medshield Offices. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)
Following another unsavoury situation at FNB Stadium on Saturday, where Komphela was pelted with missiles‚ many thought Chiefs would finally fire the beleaguered coach, but he survived the axe.
Mosimane applauded Komphela for his maturity and bravery, saying he could have taken the easy way out by blaming others, but he took responsibility for the team’s situation.
READ: Komphela survives the axe … for now
“He takes the blame, and he even protects football manager Bobby Motaung and for that I take my hat off for him‚” Mosimane told The Sowetan.
“It is easy for a coach to say, ‘look at the players I am working with’.
“Some other coaches even say ‘look at the talent I have’ but he [Komphela] is at another level.
“In fact‚ I take lessons from him to say if I ever find myself in the same position how would I handle the situation?
“He has handled the situation very well,” added the Sundowns coach.
READ: Prominent agent accused of destroying Kaizer Chiefs
“Steve is more matured, and I would say he has been experiencing hard times for a long time at Chiefs.
“Mine was for about a day or two but for him it is not the first time.
“The guy is mentally strong, and he is emotionally in the right place,” concluded Mosimane.
Download our app and read this and other great stories on the move. Available for Android and iOS.
