Former Swallows boss Zeca Marques has reacted to Steve Komphela’s appointment Image Source: (@MamelodiSundowns/Twitter)
Komphela ready to make Swallows a Soweto giant
New Swallows coach Steve Komphela says his mission is to revive the Dube Birds and make them a respected Soweto giant once again.
Former Swallows boss Zeca Marques has reacted to Steve Komphela’s appointment Image Source: (@MamelodiSundowns/Twitter)
Swallows have to return to the skies and that is the mission of newly appointed coach Steve Komphela who is ready to make the Dube Birds a Soweto giant.
Komphela reflected on Swallows’ status as they were previously regarded as the Soweto giants and he says the club will return to its glory days, but it will take time.
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The former Golden Arrows manager was unveiled as the new Dube Birds mentor on Sunday in what came as a shocker to many in the football scene – but he is ready for a new challenge.
After taking his charges through their paces for the first time on Tuesday, Komphela is confident and ready to restore the club’s glory.
KOMPHELA TO MAKE SWALLOWS A SOWETO GIANT
The ex-Bafana Bafana and Free State Stars defender, Komphela is seemingly unhappy with the fact that the Dobsonville-based club is not mentioned as a giant in the country.
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He explained that Swallows was counted among the likes of Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, and Sundowns before the club’s disappearance and demotion to the lower divisions.
The outspoken and motivational coach, Komphela will team up with Musa Nyatama and Ditheko Mototo as they look to stabilise the fallen giant.
“In South Africa there always have been the traditional of Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, and Moroka Swallows,” Komphela explained to Swallows’ media team.
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“But then Swallows stepped aside and we left the gap for being mentioned in the top four.
“There’s great room for improvement, it should be a nice challenge to want to complete that equation. When people say the ‘Big Four’ it should be Chiefs, Sundowns, Pirates, and Swallows. (newslive.com)
“But listen, it may take five years, may take six years, it may take a period that we not here. But as long as we are here it should be our ambition to want to complete that spot.”
The club’s chairman David Mogashoa confirmed that Komphela has signed a one-year contract with the club but has the option to extend his deal.
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KOMPHELA CREDITS MAMELODI SUNDOWNS FOR LOVE
The former Maritzburg United tactician looked and praised Masandawana for taking good care of him during his three-season stay at Chloorkop.
He spoke to 947’s Robert Marawa on Monday evening, saying the reigning league champions have always been kind to him.
“Sundowns has given me so much respect and it would take a lunatic to not take the right processes in looking for advice,” he told Marawa on 947.
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“They have been extremely kind to me and I did consult with the chairman and the president.”
In what will be an emotional reunion in the MTN8 semi-finals next season, Komphela said facing his protégé, Rulani Mokwena will be tough.
“It will be a difficult one and it reminded me of the scenario I had at Maritzburg where I played them in the first game at Chiefs and they were winning 2-0 and we had to find a way to win that match,” he added.
