On Monday, Moroka Swallows head coach Steve Komphela suggested that
Orlando Pirates’ performance in the MTN8 final has provided PSL coaches
with an example of how to deal with Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Buccaneers managed to disrupt the Brazilians’ dominance in the final,
beating them 3-1 on penalties following a goalless draw after extra-time.
Komphela praised the performance, saying that it was a good example for
other PSL coaches.
“It’s only good for the game. The game that happened at Moses Mabhida
(MTN8 final), the second-half that happened at Orlando (league game
Sundowns won 1-0), Pirates had a hell of a game, they resolved that ‘hey
we’re stepping up’,” Komphela said to the media.
He went on to explain that the only way to have a chance of winning
against the Brazilians is to fight with them for the ball and not sit
back.
“So, you’ll resolve to say, ‘No, I’m going to compete for the ball’ when
you have that realistic game, then you have a chance because let’s be fair
and honest, you sit back against Sundowns, 95 minutes, 100 minutes,
chances are you may lose,” Komphela continued.
The former Kaizer Chiefs head coach also noted that it is important to
have a plan that can be quickly adapted if the first plan fails.
“The worst part is you go there with a plan you worked for the whole
week, that ‘I’m gonna sit back’ then you concede in the first minute and
the plan is out of the window. What Pirates did (in the MTN8 final) is
what any other coach would have done. You can’t go to the final with the
same plan that did not give you something (in the league game),” he added.
Moroka Swallows, who have been drawn against Richards Bay in the Carling
Knockout Cup, will face Sundowns in their next league game after the
international break.
They will be looking to become the first team to deny them three points
or the first to beat them this season in the Premiership.
