logo
Sundowns' Komphela: ‘We won't drown in sorrow'

Sundowns' Komphela: ‘We won't drown in sorrow'

The Citizen27-05-2025

"It (late goal) will deflate you but champions are born out of such tragedies and you just have to show resilience," Komphela said.
Steve Komphela, senior coach of Mamelodi Sundowns after the CAF Champions League 2024/25 final match against Pyramids at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on 24 May 2025 ©Nokwanda Zondi/BackpagePix
Mamelodi Sundowns senior coach Steve Komphela has issued a message of defiance following his side's 1-1 draw against Egypt's Pyramids FC in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final at Loftus Versfeld.
Lucas Ribeiro's second-half goal had put the home side ahead, but Walid El Karti's dramatic stoppage-time equaliser silenced the Brazilians' faithful and handed Pyramids a vital away goal.
ALSO READ: Sundowns' Maema expresses disappointment at Pyramids draw
The result means Sundowns must now score in the return leg in Cairo to have any hope of lifting their second Champions League crown, nine years after their first.
Speaking after the match, Komphela struck a composed yet defiant tone, urging the players to regroup and focus on the second leg where they will be under pressure to produce a good performance.
'It (late goal) will deflate you but champions are born out of such tragedies and you just have to show resilience and mental strength. The minute you drown yourself in that sorrow, then you won't rise,' Komphela said.
'It's very important to say okay it has happened but did I lose or did I learn? The lessons we picked up here should take us forward. Pyramids know that they have a problem as well because in as much as they scored away, but we'll have to go back to Cairo and make life difficult for them.
'They are a good team and they also have a good backing and you don't reach a CAF Champions League final by fluke. These guys came here and you saw they played and we've seen in their own domestic league that they are impeccable. They have a lot of good players but Sundowns is equally a good team.
The coach praised the quality of the opposition but made it clear that Sundowns are equally formidable. The decisive second leg will be played on Sunday at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo where a goalless draw will see Pyramids crowned champions.
With experienced campaigners like Ronwen Williams, Teboho Mokoena, and Khuliso Mudau in the squad, Komphela is confident the team can handle the pressure.
'Sundowns is very experienced and we have been through rough terrains,' the 57-year-old added.
'You have players like Mokoena, Williams and Mudau and apart from being experienced at club football, they come from the national team and they have impeccable national team experience and exposure.
ALSO READ: OPINION: Cardoso must take responsibility for Sundowns' missed opportunity
'So we are not going to chicken out, we played in Morocco and we were courageous and we went to Al-Ahly and we were courageous too and we came through. Nothing will stop us, and without being arrogant, but we have to go there and play our game.'

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Sundowns without 12 stars for FIFA Club World Cup
Sundowns without 12 stars for FIFA Club World Cup

The South African

time5 hours ago

  • The South African

Sundowns without 12 stars for FIFA Club World Cup

Mamelodi Sundowns have left behind 12 of their stars for the FIFA Club World Cup which gets underway on Friday. The Brazilians, known for their big squad, did not have space for the entire team, and had to make some tough decisions. They touched down the US on Tuesday, and the 26-man squad had their first training session on Wednesday. Sundowns will get the ball rolling on Wednesday, 18 June against South Korean outfit Ulsan. Kick-off is at 00:00 SA time. And the Tshwane giants will face German giants Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, 21 June at 18:00 SA time. Sundowns' final Group F match will be against Brazil's Fluminense on Wednesday, 25 June. Kick-off is at 21:00 SA time. Mamelodi Sundowns feature in a special video in the iconic Times Square. Image: Supplied Jody February Sanele Tshabalala Asekho Tiwani (injured) Thapelo Maseko Terrence Mashego Matias Esquivel Lucas Suarez Kobamelo Kodisang Kegan Johannes Zuko Mdunyelwa Ntandoyenkosi Nkosi Siyanda Nyanga Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

Rulani: ‘I probably good enough to coach Orlando Pirates'
Rulani: ‘I probably good enough to coach Orlando Pirates'

The South African

time6 hours ago

  • The South African

Rulani: ‘I probably good enough to coach Orlando Pirates'

Former Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates coach Rulani Mokwena is home in Mzansi after leaving Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca. Naturally, the two-time Betway Premiership champion has been linked with Orlando Pirates, who are coachless after Jose Riveiro's departure to Al Ahly. While the Buccaneers are yet to name Riveiro's successor, Mokwena remains heavily linked with the Sea Robbers. Percy Tau sends a message to Chiefs and Sundowns Speaking to Robert Marawa on 947, Mokwena was asked if he had gained relevant experience to return to coaching the Buccaneers. Mokwena said, 'When I coached Orlando Pirates, most of the feeling was that I had potential. There was a strong connotation from a family perspective. But now the connection is not so much from a family perspective. Rulani Mokwena and the Orlando Pirates chairman, Dr Irvin Khoza. Images: Sowetan 'Because I think the people feel that there is a lot of work that's been done from a coaching perspective. And now there's a strong feeling that, as a coach, I'm probably good enough to coach Orlando Pirates, and I'm grateful for that. Kaizer Chiefs transfers: New Bafana goalkeeper Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

Percy Tau sends a message to Chiefs and Sundowns
Percy Tau sends a message to Chiefs and Sundowns

The South African

time6 hours ago

  • The South African

Percy Tau sends a message to Chiefs and Sundowns

Kaizer Chiefs supporters have been imagining an exciting possibility. Percy Tau to Amakhosi or not? Upon leaving Al Ahly last season, Amakhosi were said to be targeting the 31-year-old, but he opted to join Qatar SC. Tau is a free agent again, all while Kaizer Chiefs are in the market for experienced attacking players. Find out what the former Sundowns ace has said about the prospect of going to Naturena. Kaizer Chiefs transfers: New Bafana goalkeeper Speaking on 947 on Wednesday, Tau said he is still emotionally connected to Sundowns but grew up supporting Amakhosi. He is therefore open to both possibilities. Percy Tau during his best season with Al Ahly in 2022/23. Images: King Fut 'If Sundowns were not to send me an offer and Chiefs do, then it is not my fault,' Tau said. The Witbank-born player said he would not rule out any team that sends him an offer, including clubs like Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC. New Kaizer Chiefs player signs until 2028 Honours Betway Premiership champion (X2) CAF Champions League winner (X3) Egyptian Super Cup winner (X4) Egyptian Cup winner (X2) Egyptian Premier League winner (X2) Belgian League winner Belgian Player of the Year CAF Interclub Player of the Year. Previous Clubs Sundowns reserves Witbank Spurs Sundowns Brighton & Hove Albion (England) Union SG (Belgium) Club Brugge (Belgium) Anderlecht (Belgium) Al Ahly (Egypt) Qatar SC (Qatar). Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store