‘BREAKFAST FOR CHAMPIONS’: KOMPHELA BREAKS SILENCE AFTER SUNDOWNS’ DOUBLE CAF DISAPPOINTMENT

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA — Mamelodi Sundowns assistant coach Steve Komphela has delivered a strong message of confidence following the club's disappointing run in continental football, insisting that the Brazilians have the character and experience to overcome their recent setbacks.

Sundowns have endured a difficult period after being eliminated from the CAF Champions League by Angolan side Wiliete SC before suffering a 3-1 defeat against USM Alger in the CAF Super Cup final at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday.

The results have been painful for a club accustomed to competing for major trophies on the African continent. However, Komphela believes the current situation presents an opportunity for the team to demonstrate its resilience.

Speaking after the Super Cup disappointment, the experienced coach emphasised that champions must always find a way to recover when circumstances become difficult.

“Champions must always find a way. This is how character gets built. I don't think we're the first ones to go through this, and we won't be the last ones,” Komphela explained.

He further highlighted the strength of the Sundowns dressing room, pointing to the experienced players and technical team as important factors that could help the club overcome this difficult period.

According to Komphela, the team must accept what has happened, return to the training ground, identify its mistakes and work towards correcting them.

“We have a great dressing room of highly experienced players and a technical team that is strong enough, that has a way to focus on what has to be looked at.

“Yes, we will feel it, but the best part is understanding there's nothing you can do about it. You can only go back, do your corrections, rectify and find a way out. As they always say, this is breakfast for champions, give us an opportunity to bounce back again,” he added.

Interestingly, Komphela also revealed that a USM Alger player approached him after the final whistle and reminded him that Sundowns remain a big club capable of recovering from disappointment.

The coach described the message as meaningful, particularly because it came from an opponent celebrating victory.

Meanwhile, Sundowns will use the upcoming international break to regroup before returning to Betway Premiership action against Kruger United and Polokwane City.

For the Brazilians, the challenge is now clear: turn disappointment into motivation and prove that their ambitions remain alive.

Komphela's message suggests that Sundowns are not prepared to allow two continental setbacks to define their entire season.

Source https://x.com/iDiskiTimes/status/2119858147225395324