FREE State Stars finally managed to register their first win of the season in South Africa’s Premier Soccer League by beating Mpumalanga Black Aces 2-1 at Globe Park on Sunday. Lesotho Times correspondent MARTIN LEKGOLOKWE caught up with Free State Stars coach Steve Komphela soon after the match — their sixth of the season — for an interview. Here are the excerpts:
LT: Congratulations on your first 2010/11 league win. What did you tell the players before the game?
Komphela: The boys knew how much we needed three points and they were motivated after they won the Telkom Knockout game against Ajax in Cape Town a few days before this game.
LT: That was your second win this season. Do you think that was a turning point or a sign of good things to come?
Komphela: Victories will always uplift your spirit. I think things are going to happen for sure. But with regard to our tactical work, we are still playing with patches because of (lack of) confidence and we don’t really believe in what we have. However, the victories will help them to say we have it, we just have to bring it forth. As soon as Aces equalised there were problems with confidence regarding our play. In fact, yes, we are going but we are not there yet.
LT: Are you happy with the current squad or you still need some players?
Komphela: No, there is nothing you can do. You have to work and improve them. In fact, as a coach that is what I am getting paid for. We know the philosophy and culture of the team that with those players we need to give them guidance and with confidence they will achieve.
LT: When the transfer window opens, are you going to add some players to your team?
Komphela: There are areas that we have to look at. Yes, we need some players to strengthen the team but I don’t want to start mentioning their names since the opponents will start looking at them. Again it is a question of budget. We know that our team does not have a big budget, so we will have to go out and check how we can get those players we need.
LT: You took Stars from the bottom of the league to position four during your spell in the 2008/9 season. Are you going to challenge for the league this season?
Komphela: I think for now we need to be very humble. I can only start making utterances that are more informed when I’ve got the team in my hands. But for now I don’t have the control but as soon as I have, I can start making the predictions.
LT: When you arrived at Ea Lla Koto we saw you re-calling Thamane Motaung. What was the idea of calling the player back to the team?
Komphela: The idea was what you have just seen here.
LT: Are you referring to how Motaung changed the game after he was introduced in the second half, helping Stars to get a second goal?
Komphela: Hell of a good player, young and talented. He has his human mistakes. But you cannot throw that talent into the dustbin. If you dump that in a dustbin, that simply means there is something wrong with your brain.
LT: Are we going to see you re-calling Sanele Mabaso and Saitjheni Tsotetsi who used to be in your team during your previous spell with Stars?
Komphela: I’ve always had a soft spot for people and the players. I can always help players to get back to their normal life. But look, Mabaso is gone but if he can come back and say coach I am here can you give me a chance, I don’t think I could close the door on him. He is a good player.
LT: Looking back at your stint with Platinum Stars, what really happened there?
Komphela: No, I don’t really want to talk about Platinum Stars. The only thing that I have to talk about is where I am now, where there is a massive support from the management, massive response from the players.
LT: Are you happy to be back at Stars?
Komphela: Sure, I am happy at Ea lla Koto and I am enjoying like that time when I was still playing for the team. The management of the team is supportive and there is no football politics. I am just a football coach – nothing else.
LT: How did your move come about?
Komphela: Well I stayed without a job and that was well known. Based on our background — I had a good season with Stars in the 2008/9 season — I got the call and I decided to come down to Bethlehem.
LT: When you left Stars it was reported that you wanted them to increase your salary. Have they now offered what you were looking for?
Komphela: We reached an agreement with the management of the team. I understand the club’s standard and they also understand my needs and requirements as a professional.
LT: So are you happy?
Komphela: I am happy and I can’t even utter a word. I just help the team to achieve things because it is also my ambition to achieve things in life.
