Moroka Swallows head coach Steve Komphela has lavished praise on two high-profile players following their impressive debut performance.
Komphela started his rein as coach of Swallows with a 1-1 draw against Golden Arrows in a DStv Premiership clash at Mpumalanga Stadium in Hammarsdale, Durban, on Saturday.
The game also saw experienced midfielder Andile Jali and Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatsho Mabasa make their maiden appearances for the Soweto side.
Mabasa, who worked with Komphela at Bloemfontein Celtic, scored the equaliser to earn Swallows a point away from home.
Bongani Sam, also on loan at Moroka Swallows from Pirates, put in a good shift and walked away with the Man of the Match award in the club’s opening game of the 2023/24 season.
OTHER SOCCER NEWS:Bafana COSAFA Cup coach impressed by Pirates attacker
KOMPHELA ON HOW JALI AND MABASA PERFORMED ON DEBUT
“Chances are, with the way we play, our opponents will get tired, and goals will be coming. And that’s exactly what happened,” said Komphela as he was explaining Mabasa’s goal in the 75th minute.
“But I’m happy with Mabasa because goal scorers must understand that when they get hired and get opportunities to play at a football club, their job is to score, and it starts now. If he scores a goal in a match, he’s going to end with 30 at the end of the season.
“I wish him well, and I wish he stays injury free. But his contribution is quite significant, and maybe the beauty is that he was playing in the COSAFA Cup (during the preseason). He comes in at the moment when everyone is starting to lose their legs and all that.
“He takes off, and you could see. Mabasa could have also earned us a penalty. You give it, it’s two goals. Listen, who scores two goals in the first match of the season?”
The ex-Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs coach also expressed his delight with how Jali played.
Steve Komphela pleased with Jali’s maturity
Steve Komphela was pleased with Jali’s maturity when the ex-Bafana Bafana star voluntarily handed over the captain’s armband to Tlakusani Mthethwa after the latter was subbed in.
“He [Jali] did well,” said Komphela, who coached Jali at Sundowns. “Jali controlled the team. He gives the team the personality we wish to see when going forward. But something remarkable happened when we made a substitute.
“We have Bafana (Tlakusani Mthethwa) as our club captain, and when Bafana walked in, Jali had the armband. He didn’t hesitate, and nobody told Jali to give the armband to Bafana. That takes it to the level of humility, responsibility, and selflessness, and we all know our places now.
“When you have a team of that nature, you are guaranteed that you’ll get the results with that level of humility and commitment. I was impressed with that.”
On Wednesday, the Dube Birds will welcome Cape Town City in their next game at the Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto.