KAIZER Chiefs coach Steve Komphela was at the centre of controversy again at the weekend.
Last week he voiced his opinion about what he called the poor state of South African referees after the Soweto derby between Amakhosi and Orlando Pirates.
And on Saturday Komphela acted in what many have described as a disrespectful and even unprofessional manner towards his Maritzburg United counterpart Ernst Middendorp during their post-match press conference.
Amakhosi snatched a dramatic 3-2 victory over the Team of Choice with virtually the last kick of the game, deep into stoppage time, in their Absa Premiership encounter at the FNB Stadium.
Komphela’s charges had thrown away the 2-0 lead accomplished by Willard Katsande;s conversion of a spot kick and Camaldine Abraw’s header to allow Thamsanqa Teyise and Evans Rusike to play the visitors back into the game.
Lorenzo Gordinho ultimately came to Amakhosi’s rescue by heading in a late winner in optional time.
It is speculated that Middendorp had said something to Komphela after the match to set the Amakhosi mentor off. Komphela was heard making some nasty comments as Middendorp was addressing the media.
Komphela appeared unhappy with Middendorp’s opinion of how the game went.
The visiting coach was telling the media that he felt his team had deserved to get something out of the game and did not believe they had played counter-attacking football.
As Middendorp was talking, the Amakhosi coach said: “Well that’s how it’s defined, whichever way it is. You understand it.”
Komphela seemed to disagree with Middendorp’s assessment of the game, which led to him interjecting while his colleague had the floor. But then again, maybe there is more to this than meets the eye.
Amakhosi visit Bidvest Wits in a crucial league game at Milpark tomorrow.
Komphela still believes that his side can defend their title as they eye a third successive league victory.
Amakhosi lost George Lebese and Siyanda Xulu due to injury and it’s not clear if the pair will be available for the Wits game.
Komphela said: “It’s a direct confrontation against Wits. We’re both fighting for the championship and cannot let it slip. It’s not going to be an easy match, it will be a tight affair. We are chasing and we to keep winning to put pressure on the teams at the top.”
He said their ugly wins would motivate his team: “In terms of confidence this will help the players.
“We don’t accept playing badly, but it’s better to grind out results. Three points are more important.”
