Steve Komphela skips training as Moroka Swallows future hangs in the air

Following weeks of uncertainty over which players would be available for the Dube Birds for the second half of the season after nearly the entire squad was dismissed on the recommendation of an internal disciplinary hearing, the DStv Premiership side posted pictures of a few who’d returned to work.

Swallows play Cape Town City on 13 February – their first game since holding Royal AM to a goalless draw two days before Christmas and then forcing the Premier Soccer League to call off fixtures against Mamelodi Sundowns and Golden Arrows due to an “illegal strike” by the players.

According to the SA Football Players’ Union, the team was promised December salaries early but the commitment was not honoured.

The League has since charged and punished Swallows, while the club also threw the rule book at players and terminated multiple contracts, although the majority have returned and agreed to new terms.  

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But Komphela, who was appointed at the start of the 2023/24 season after leaving Sundowns, could possibly be on his way out.

The public broadcaster made attempts to get comment from the former Kaizer Chiefs and Maritzburg United mentor, but to no avail.

Swallows chairman David Mogashoa did not respond to questions about the coach either when approached for an update.

With the players preparing for City in about two weeks at the Cape Town Stadium, it was assistant coaches Musa Nyatama and Ditheko Mototo who took charge of the session on Tuesday and are expected to continue until there’s clarity and finality to Komphela’s situation.

Mogashoa had confirmed at the start of the campaign that Komphela had signed a one-year contract with an option to have it renewed by 30 June.