Latest news with #SteveKomphela
IOL News
10 hours ago
- Sport
- IOL News
We must stand tall as African teams at the Club World Cup in the US, says Komphela
Mamelodi Sundowns's Steve Komphela jetted off to the US – for the Club World Cup – on Sunday. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media Sundowns, however, are expected to draw closer scrutiny, particularly in light of recent political tensions between the two nations. Departing for the US this past Sunday, the South African champions will be among four African sides – alongside Al Ahly, Wydad Casablanca and Espérance – aiming to showcase the strength and spirit of the continent — on and off the pitch. As Mamelodi Sundowns prepare to compete on football's global stage, senior coach Steve Komphela has called on the team to represent Africa with dignity, pride and purpose at the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. Before the team departed from OR Tambo International Airport, Komphela delivered a rallying message of fearlessness in the face of global rivals. 'When I stand next to another colleague or counterpart who comes from anywhere in the world, as an African, I must also feel represented,' Komphela explained. 'I must stand there with pride, and also feel that I am human. There's a lot that we are fighting – it's not only football. 'The biggest mistake we make in our lives is to consider sport as merely sport. It's a war that is fought without weapons, where we fight for people who can't be there.' Komphela added that many misconceptions are directed towards Africans, and that sport must be used to dismantle them. 'All Africans who can't be at the World Cup are going to be represented by us, and we have to make sure that we represent them well,' he said. 'The myth and misconception of the world thinking Africa is one country – big mistake. We must teach that. 'The world thinks Africa is about disease and poverty – we have to get rid of such myths. When you go out there as an African, you must stand tall with pride and forget about the background.'
The Citizen
11 hours ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Komphela vows to maintain Sundowns' style at Club World Cup
'We're going to sell an African product and compete with the rest of the world,' he said. Mamelodi Sundowns senior coach Steve Komphela has assured fans that the team will remain committed to their possession-based style of play at the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. Speaking ahead of the team's departure to the United States on Sunday for the expanded 32-team tournament, Komphela emphasised the importance of maintaining their footballing identity on the global stage. ALSO READ: Sundowns' Matthews relishes Dortmund clash at Club World Cup 'This is a world cup and it's only that it's a world cup for clubs but the mandate and the theme remains the same. We're going to sell an African product and compete with the rest of the world,' he said. 'As Africans what are we bringing to the table and it should not be Mamelodi Sundowns going to the club world cup to compete but it should be an African team. 'When they profile us, they don't profile Mamelodi Sundowns only, they go deeper to profile an African athlete. The qualities, characteristics, weaknesses and strengths of an African team and then they will go deeper into the details of every individual.' The Brazilians will kick off their group stage campaign at Inter & Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida, where they face South Korean side Ulsan HD on 17 June. They will then take on German giants Borussia Dortmund at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, before concluding the group stage against Brazilian outfit Fluminense at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida. 'We can't move away from the fact that we are African and our qualities and characteristics we'll forever remain African,' Komphela added. 'As we go out there to export this culture and this sport, we're going to reflect what African football is all about. We can't be far from what Africans stand for in terms of playing the game so that's one thing we have to be mindful about when we go to the club World Cup. 'When we land in the US, they are not going to say this is a Club World Cup team, they will say this is an African team. We are African and we need to take pride in that.' ALSO READ: Nations League victors Portugal toast Ronaldo's 'winner mentality' The tournament gets underway in the early hours of Sunday morning with a high-profile clash between African heavyweights Al-Ahly and Lionel Messi's Inter Miami. The other African representatives are Morocco's Wydad Casablanca and Tunisia's Espérance.
IOL News
27-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Komphela calls for courage as Mamelodi Sundowns chase CAF glory in Cairo
Mamelodi Sundowns senior coach Steve Komphela, speaking during the Carling Black Label announcement of a collaboration with champions Mamelodi Sundowns, for competing in the Fifa Club World Cup. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media Senior coach Steve Komphela says Mamelodi Sundowns must remember what helped them overcome past challenges as they head into the final stretch to reclaim the CAF Champions League. Sundowns will face Pyramids in the second leg of the final at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo on Sunday night (kick-off 7pm). The Brazilians travel to Egypt on the back foot, having conceded during their 1–1 draw with Pyramids in the first leg, giving the Egyptian side a valuable away goal. Lucas Ribeiro opened the scoring for the hosts early in the second half, but a lapse in concentration saw Walid El Karti net a late equaliser for the visitors. However, if any team can score and possibly win outright in North Africa, it's Sundowns. Final session before we jet off to Cairo. All focused on the mission ahead. 😤#Sundowns #TotalEnergiesCAFCL #RabatsenaGape — Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) May 27, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ During their impressive run on the continent, the Brazilians held firm in away matches in both the quarter-finals and semi-finals. They drew 0–0 with Esperance of Tunisia in the quarter-final second leg, advancing 1–0 on aggregate. In the semi-finals, they hosted Al Ahly in a goalless first leg before securing a 1–1 draw in Cairo, progressing on the away goals rule. Speaking on the sidelines of the Carling Black Label partnership event with Sundowns ahead of the Fifa Club World Cup in the US, Komphela encouraged his players to channel their previous heroics in Cairo. 'I think beyond experience – it's what we felt in Tunisia and Egypt against Al Ahly,' said Komphela. 'There's something intangible – courage. The team reached another level of bravery which, if we can recall it, we can come back. 'We have enough quality. All we need to do is respect the game, reflect on what we did over the weekend, identify areas for improvement, and apply more effort. 'We need to reaffirm what we are known for. We'll need to summon a lot of courage, because it won't be easy!' Sundowns have dominated domestic football, having won the Betway Premiership for a record-extending eighth successive time. With their semi-final curse in the Champions League now broken, expectations are high for them to clinch a second continental title in nine years. Komphela, however, insists they will not be weighed down by expectations. 'Pressure is a privilege for us,' he said. 'If you view pressure as something negative, you won't perform. But if you see it as a pleasure, you get the opportunity to test your strength and run your own race. 'You need to assess your capacity against your challenges, and if you succeed, it's an upgrade. If not, you say: let me come back stronger.' 𝑹𝑶𝑨𝑫 𝑻𝑶 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑭𝑰𝑵𝑨𝑳 𝑶𝑭 𝑭𝑰𝑵𝑨𝑳𝑺 🌍🏆 After the battle in the first leg, Denis Onyango stands firm in his belief in the team. Vila shares his insights, knowing the team shines bright away from home and Hazel Ramoone carries the voice of the supporters, reminding… — Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) May 26, 2025
The South African
27-05-2025
- Business
- The South African
Sundowns launch campaign with 'African champion'
After recently wrapping up their eighth successive league title, Sundowns – who are hoping to lift the CAF Champions League trophy this weekend – have now made another big announcement. At a special launch event on Tuesday, Carling Black Label – Africa's 'Champion Beer' – was not only officially named the South African beer sponsor for the FIFA Club World Cup, but also confirmed their official backing of Mamelodi Sundowns. The announcement also revealed a score predictor campaign, inviting fans to log their predictions for each of the tournament's matches at or via USSD by dialling * 120* 660#. This campaign will launch formally on Tuesday, 27 May 2025, and will enable supporters to unlock a chance to win a share of more than R1 million in prizes, airtime rewards, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch the Champions of the FIFA Club World Cup at their next home game. This announcement comes hot on the heels of several other major announcements made by Mamelodi Sundowns in recent weeks, which have included partnerships with vehicle sponsor Chery South Africa, supplements partner Biogen and mobile partner Huawei. The deal with Carling – made in partnership with Roc Nation Sports International – is another indication of Sundowns' commercial success off the field, which mirrors the club's on-field achievements. Steve Komphela , Senior Coach at Mamelodi Sundowns FC, reflected on the synergy between the club and the brand: 'This partnership is a meeting of champions — grounded in aligned values, backed by performance, and driven by the people. Carling Black Label understands the heartbeat of South African football. They've stood by fans and supporters for decades, and now they're standing with Mamelodi Sundowns as we take African excellence to the world. We are proud to have an award-winning brand backing us on this journey.' 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.
The Citizen
27-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Sundowns' Komphela: ‘We won't drown in sorrow'
"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.'
