Steve Komphela, coach of Kaizer Chiefs (Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix)
Speaking ahead of Amakhosi’s Absa Premiership duel with Free State Stars at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday evening, Komphela said the pressure he has been under since taking over from Stuart Baxter over two years ago has made him stronger.
“Pressure is always there … you can go to all the former coaches who have been here they will tell you. This team is huge and if you come here and you are not strong enough you will have a serious problem. You have to be strong to stay here,” said Komphela.
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“And if things don’t work out for you here, then you look at it as preparation for another platform which may need a strong character and personality. The character is being moulded and built here and it is not easy. But you have to be strong. I am not the same person I was when I came here,” he said.
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Komphela’s team will host Ea Lla Koto fresh from a difficult clash against AmaZulu where Itumeleng Khune had to pull off great saves to ensure his side eked out a point. The 50-year-old mentor said he hopes the rain will hold off tomorrow as they look for a win which will bring them closer to the top.
Amakhosi are sixth in the standings, and three points behind leaders Baroka FC who have 18 points.
“Matches against Stars are always difficult. They are an ambitious side and they work hard. But we need to win to close the gap on the top teams.
“Defeats and draws always leave a bitter taste. But you have to be quick to forget and move forward even if it was a good result because you can’t live in the past,” he said.
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