Komphela slams Al Ahly players for lacking class, respect

Al Ahly disappointingly finished as CAF Champions League runners-up after losing 2-0 to Wydad Athletic Club in the final played at Mohamed V Stadium on Monday.

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Wydad coach Walid Regragui promoted El Moutaraji from the bench for the title decider and it proved to be a masterstroke as he scored after 15 and 48 minutes in Casablanca.

Al Ahly, seeking a record third straight title, had plenty of possession but could not break down the defence of their opponents.

At the post-match medal ceremony, Sundowns senior Steve Komphela noticed that Al Ahly players were quick to remove their silver medals, and slammed them for showing a lack of respect.

“It’s so disgusting watching players given medals and disrespectfully pulling them out of their necks. Lack of respect. Class? No matter how you feel, you must always maintain class, dignity and respect. So sad,” he posted on social media.

It’s so disgusting watching players given medals and disrespectfully pulling them out of their necks. Lack of respect. Class? No matter how you feel, you must always maintain class, dignity and respect. So sad. 🤨

— Steve Komphela (@komphelasteve) May 30, 2022

Komphela received both support and backlash for his position on the matter, but defended his stance vehemently.

We have a responsibility as coaches to teach them to show great sportsmanship and respect https://t.co/3iA8tU8h1t

— Steve Komphela (@komphelasteve) May 30, 2022

Again, fully agree but there’s still a great demand for restraint. Show disappointment but not disrespect please. https://t.co/ldUSjAEgkz

— Steve Komphela (@komphelasteve) May 30, 2022

It shouldn’t be condoned. It is wrong, no matter how disappointed we feel. We need show respect. No one has Almighty-given birthright to always win. They must respect the winners at least! https://t.co/02bOh37kM2

— Steve Komphela (@komphelasteve) May 30, 2022

I hear you but will maintain to my grave; It is wrong. https://t.co/H89Tcv81RL

— Steve Komphela (@komphelasteve) May 30, 2022

You are sick, the biggest beef is within you and your head. You know nothing about the mutual respect between @TheRealPitso and I. You’re a lost speculator. https://t.co/zOtGKirhGV

— Steve Komphela (@komphelasteve) May 30, 2022

AL AHLY MISS OUT ON R40 MILLION AFTER LATEST CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DEFEAT

Apart from his failure to deliver another CAF Champions League trophy, Mosimane also missed out on adding another R40 million to Al Ahly’s bank account.

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The CAF Champions League pays $2.5 million to ultimate winners, and that equates to around R40 million in South African Rands.

And this is disappointing for Al Ahly considering that they invested a lot in dominating continental football so much so they even handed Mosimane a new bumper deal in February.

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Wydad won the R40 million while Al Ahly walked away with silverware medals and $1.25 million (R20 million) for their efforts.