Steve Komphela, the eloquently-spoken Free State Stars coach, is not intimidated by ‘giants’.

At a press conference on Thursday afternoon as part of the build-up to the Nedbank Cup semi-final clash against Mamelodi Sundowns, Komphela was on a roll – bullish in his mood and adamant that his side will continue to deal with ‘sharks’.

“In this PSL, there are many Sharks, others are big, others are small, others are white sharks. We have played two big sharks already – tough matches. Now we have another shark on Saturday, we have to face them.

“You cannot match sharks. You can just threaten them. Right now we are only threatening Sundowns. I know their defeat to Chiefs in midweek makes them dangerous,” he told reporters..

Mamelodi Sundowns suffered a heavy blow in their aspirations to clinch the League trophy this past Wednesday when they went down 2-0 to Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium. The loss makes Saturday’s Nedbank Cup even more important for the Brazilians who have not won anything this season despite boasting with a star-studded squad.

Free State Stars, on the other hand, have been a remarkable story this season under Komphela’s guidance. Not only have they been impressive in League games, they have also put spirited performances in Cup competitions.

In the Nedbank Cup, they have already eliminated Soweto giants, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.

“People stop me in the streets and say, ‘since you have beaten both Chiefs and Pirates, you might as well go and win the Nedbank Cup’. It’s not that easy. Sundowns are a good side.

“It’s nice to hear positive remarks, but it’s nicer to get negative ones. If you listen too much to what people say, you lose.

“I want players who are willing to leave a sweat on the field.”

 Courtesy:Premier Soccer League

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