Steve Komphela praises resilient Moroka Swallows after MTN8 exit

The Dube Birds had their backs against the wall when captain Andile Jali was red carded seven minutes into the quarterfinal fixture for a reckless tackle on ex- teammate Teboho Mokoena.

But Komphela says they were resilient even with a man down.

"I think the red card that we got just beginning of the match didn't make our lives easy. But apart from the red card I have a feeling that we played very well in the first half," Komphela said.

"We maintained a good shape and we could resist sensibly and there were moments where I thought from a set play, corner kick we could get something but to be honest we did not capitalize.

Got into the dressing room and we felt, no no no we were still under pressure but the pressure was well controlled."

The fixture meant Komphela was returning to face his former employers for the first time since leaving to join the Dube Birds in.

He insists he kept his emotions in check.

"Emotions are emotions and they come from the glue that you develop over time. There are lots of them and not only playing personnel, not only technical staff, but even support staff. As I moved up here, I came across a lady who always used to give food, sis Aurelia. 

She said 'Coach, you owe me, where is my gift' and that language tells you that you are still home and then as we are shaking hands at the end of the match, we came across Rivaldo [Coetzee], came across Mosa Lebusa, came across Ngobeni [Sifiso]. 

All these folks, the handshakes are still the same."