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NO HARD FEELINGS: Steve Komphela and Gordon Igesund during Safa's media briefing at Safa House in Johannesburg. PHoto: Frennie Shivambu/Gallo Images

 Stars coach 'not sulking' 

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Komphela said it was simply that his club, Free State Stars, needed a commitment.

That was Komphela's explanation yesterday following his rejection of the technical director's position with Safa.

Komphela, who was brought in last season to assist Pitso Mosimane when he was still Bafana coach, took over the team for two matches following Mosimane's sacking after the draw with Ethiopia in a World Cup qualifier.

But Komphela lost the race to become permanent Bafana coach to Igesund last week.

Komphela said the urgency to begin pre-season training with Stars was among the factors that contributed to his decision not to take up the role of technical director at Safa. He said in a radio interview that he was "not sulking because I did not get the Bafana coaching job", but rather that Stars were already behind with their preparations for the 2012-13 Premier Soccer League season, which kicks off next month.

"The reasons were simple. It (technical director role) wasn't quite a cut-and-dried issue. It had a lot of permutations and I did not have the time to wait as Free State Stars needed (my) attention," said Komphela on BallzRadio.

He felt that he had been so caught up with Bafana after Mosimane's sacking that he had had little time with his club.

"Unfortunately things changed quickly and I had to take the team (Bafana) to Botswana (for a World Cup qualifier) and to Mbombela (for a friendly international with Gabon). I also had to make a presentation to the technical committee," Komphela said.

"We have sold a number of players and if I had waited for Safa to iron out some of the issues, it would have meant that I go back to Stars without having made any aggressive preparations for the new season."

Komphela congratulated Igesund on his new quest and availed himself for national duty "if and when I am needed because I always want to serve my country".

Comments

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Fri May 24 18:59:29 SAST 2013 ::

Jul 6, 2012

Stumaeza

Don't worry your turn will come to be the next coach of Bafunny Bafunny...you still have a long way to go Steve.
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Jul 6, 2012

Mhungumbye

Something does not hold water here. Had SUFFER chosen over Gordon were u also going to make those excuses about FSS wanting u back?
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Jul 6, 2012

1andonlybucs

khompela just go back to coach the under 23.
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Jul 6, 2012

Mothata

So Steve, this was all about making money to you i see. why ddnt you refuse being nominated in the first place cos you knew that your team needs commitment. Or maybe you just cant stand the fact that Gordon is the best?
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Jul 6, 2012

mathopeed

Aona Choice bra steve, you must support Gordon by all means. This was a Nation call not SAFA to hire him. Wena go back to Stars and do that aggressive preparations. you still young and bold enough to can handle that position after 5 years
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Jul 6, 2012

KingMay

This man is lying! If FF Stars were that important to him, he should have not assisted Banana from the onset.
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Jul 6, 2012

mbany8

We Love Steve as well but the decision has been taken. Lets rally around and support Gordon. He was once a Highlands Park winger and he is not a stranger to Mzazi football.
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Jul 6, 2012

Lehido

Steve always know how to respond to questions diplomatically.......What i know is he is sulking
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Jul 6, 2012

Ney3

Steve you are the best, but the common threat between you and Gordon is your childish behavior.....other than than you're the good man
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Jul 6, 2012

Papage

That is good, you need to convience us, work for Free State Stars, if you do a good job there who knows, Gordon might fail in the 2 coming games, then is finished with him.
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