Swallows boss unpacks Steve Komphela’s one-year deal

The Dube Birds moved quickly in tying the experienced mentor down when it emerged he was open to leaving DStv Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns before his existing agreement expired. 

“That’s a big appointment, something that happened unexpectedly. I got wind of it last week Friday that coach Steve was available and I had to move quickly – that’s why I was running away from you,” Mogashoa told SABC Sport. 

“Considering this was done very quickly, he [Komphela] is on a season-long contract, plus an option to renew it for a longer term.” 

Swallows were initially expected to continue with Musa Nyatama at the helm having also announced Ditheko Mototo as his assistant just a week ago, but Mogashoa has now explained the new technical team setup. 

“Obviously we wanted coach Musa to continue, but coach Steve is more experienced – and I still want Musa to learn. I don’t want to throw him under the bus because, after three games with no results, supporters will be calling for him to go. So it’s a good thing for Musa to learn from Steve and get equipped with the qualification,” the chairman unpacked the arrangement.  

Mogashoa took to social media and posted a picture alongside the duo at a swanky restaurant in Johannesburg over the weekend, a sign Nyatama, who only retired from playing two seasons ago, was happy to be Komphela’s understudy. 

“I was actually very worried the whole week and I almost changed my mind because I made a commitment to Musa,” he said. 

“We called a meeting – myself, the CEO, the general manager and coach Musa. We were so shocked because he was accepting of everything, that there was someone more senior and he is willing to work under them. We invited him to dinner for coach Steve’s birthday. He is willing to learn.”

Komphela has coached Free State Stars, Maritzburg United, Bloemfontein Celtic, Kaizer Chiefs and Golden Arrows, before being part of the Sundowns technical team over the last three years.