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Johannesburg - After failing to win the MTN8 and Telkom Knockout cups, Steve Komphela is under pressure going into the Nedbank Cup.
The Kaizer Chiefs coach said he would willingly give up his life to guarantee a trophy for the club.
“If the Almighty would come now and say to me: ‘Make a choice – that you perish and we grant the trophy to Kaizer Chiefs, or you stay alive and compete for the trophy.’
“Do you know what my choice would be? ‘Take my life, my Lord, let the people celebrate.’ Yes, that’s life – selflessness,” said Komphela ahead of this afternoon’s clash with Golden Arrows at FNB Stadium.
With their league form blowing hot and cold, and not convincing enough to challenge log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns all the way to the finish line, the Nedbank Cup gives Komphela his last chance to salvage something of the season.
Komphela has not brought in any silverware during his two-and-half-year tenure.
Going three seasons without a trophy would be a giant failure for Amakhosi, who are used to winning at least one trophy a season. But the prospect of finishing the season empty-handed is there for everyone to see.
However, they will get the opportunity to put smiles on Amakhosi supporters’ faces.
“We would love to throw our weight into winning it for our supporters ... through hard work,” said Komphela.
He said he would not read much into Arrows’ latest poor run of results because he was well aware of the danger the team always poses.
Arrows have won only one of their past 15 games and drew nine.
“They have always been a dangerous side. I take nothing from them as they will come in as underdogs, but that tag won’t give us a false sense of hope. We have to do the job on the field.”
Another encounter will see a repeat of last weekend’s league game between SuperSport United and Bloemfontein Celtic.
The only difference is the venue of play. After last weekend’s 4-2 hammering at Lucas Moripe Stadium, Celtic will be hoping for a revenge win at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium.
SuperSport United coach Eric Tinkler has already hinted that his focus is more on the league programme than on the Nedbank Cup. However, as defending champions, they are expected to give a good fight until the end.
United will be buoyed by last weekend’s performance, particularly from new players Mogakolodi Ngele and Evans Rusike, who both scored.
But most of the attention will be at FNB Stadium to see if Komphela will take the first step towards delivering something good for the club.
