Fans call for Komphela’s head
BOBBY MOTAUNG ACCOSTED Coach says he takes full reponsibility for crushing defeat.
There is renewed speculation that Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela could be released even before the season ends following ugly scenes which followed his side’s 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Chippa United at the FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Without taking anything from the Chilli Boys, who gave a good account of themselves and used their chances wisely, Amakhosi gave their worst performance so far under Komphela.
The Soweto giants were never in with a chance and goals by Thabo Rakhale, Mxolisi Macuphu and Edward Manqele sealed their fate – with their fans taking it as a sign that Komphela should leave with immediate effect. The defeat wrecked Amakhosi’s already slim chances in the Premiership title run-in.
As the match drew to an end, angry fans gathered around the tunnel and threw everything they could find at the Amakhosi players while chanting that Komphela should leave. Some even confronted Chiefs’ football manager Bobby Motaung and urged him to fire Komphela.
The embattled 50-year-old mentor admitted his side were not up for the fight brought on by Chippa and said he takes full responsibility for the defeat.
“One has to consider that this is our third match in seven days,” said Komphela. “But it’s no excuse, every team goes through it.
“I thought we lacked energy. You could see from our actions and reactions we were always second best.
“In a match like this where people are opportunistic and they have luck on their side, you hardly win matches of this calibre,” he added.
Komphela was however unimpressed with the fans’ for making their dissatisfaction known to Motaung, sayng he is the coach and any dissatisfaction with the team’s performances should be directed at him.
“I know losing points is not a nice thing. But with regards to our supporters chanting at Bobby, that was just unfortunate. Bobby doesn’t play; Bobby is not a coach, and it is the responsibility of us sports people to own up,” said Komphela.
Speculation was rife yesterday as many predicted the Amakhosi management would be forced to part ways with Komphela while others suggested that he would resign.