|
Steve Komphela sensationally quit as Kaizer Chiefs coach on Saturday after violence marred his side's 2-0 loss to Free State Stars in their Nedbank Cup semifinal at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. The under-fire Chiefs coach called time on his three-year tenure at the club just months before the end of his contract after disgraceful scenes at the stadium where at least four fires were set in the stands, at least one security guard was beaten severely by fans and property of broadcaster SuperSport was damaged. "We have to cut this culture of ill-discipline and delinquency. I have to be responsible and protect the players and administration and set an example that this must stop," Komphela said at the post-match press conference. "If it has to stop with me, then it must be so. I am effectively saying to you that I consider my responsibility to protect everybody at stake." The coach's exit was confirmed by the club's football manager Bobby Motaung. "There has to be a reality check. We are not safe. We must take responsibility and own up and accept the facts. We have always honoured obligations," he said. "Steve has done a great job for Kaizer Chiefs but unfortunately if it is not meant to be, it is not meant to be. "The results are not happening. As a coach he knows we are faced with a serious challenge. We have had discussions with the coach and said let's do the honourable thing. "The coach is stepping down with immediate effect." Chiefs will be out of pocket a further R200,000 after they received a suspended sentence for previous crowd misbehaviour earlier this month, and will face new sanctions for the violence in Durban. The club has now gone three seasons without a trophy, the longest barren period in their history.
|
