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Cape Town - Former Kaizer Chiefs head coach Steve Komphela has responded to recent criticism by goalkeeper and club captain Itumeleng Khune.
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Khune was recently reported to have said that the Chiefs squad struggled to adjust to Komphela's playing style and could not grasp what he wanted from the players.
"We’ve tasted victory, having won trophies under coach Stuart Baxter, Khune told KickOff. "He left and we were struggling a bit under coach Steve, because a lot of us couldn't adjust to what he wanted from us as players."
This could be taken as a criticism of Komphela's tactical ability as a coach and at the bizarre way in which he chooses to speak that resulted in the Steve "Oxford Dictionary" Komphela moniker.
The newly appointed Bloemfontein Celtic coach refused to be drawn into a war of words with Khune and declined to make any comment.
"Three years at Chiefs where I had the best time I remained highly respectful and dignified, I am not going to spoil that," Komphela said.
Komphela also declined to comment on the appointment of Giovanni Solinas as his successor at Chiefs who took over as head coach on July 13.
"I have always refused [to comment on my successors] – that’s why you [the media] have been hunting me to talk. I cannot commit an error today‚" Komphela said.
"It would erase years of dignity and respect. I have survived years of onslaught‚ I can’t commit an error today."
