Moroka Swallows head coach Steve Komphela says Orlando Pirates are showing there are ways to compete against Mamelodi Sundowns.
Pirates have been one of the biggest tests for Sundowns in recent times and grinded an MTN8 final title 3-1 on penalties last week.
While Sundowns were perhaps the more fluent and creative of the two teams, Pirates showed desire and grit to take them all the way in challenging conditions.
And Komphela feels there’s a blueprint perhaps being developed and rival coaches need to be alert on what to do and what not to do when facing the DStv Premiership champions.
“It showed, it’s good for the game, at Moses Mabhida, the second half at Orlando… they had a great game, they showed ‘hey, we’re stepping up’ – they stepped up and even the comments from the coach after the match, he said they left it too late,” Komphela said.
“In fact, if they had a way, they would have, but you play for 90 minutes, there’s only 45 and 45. Then he went into the cup final at the back of the second half, now did it send any message to any of us [coaches], yes…
“If in the EPL, Manchester City can be challenged, Brighton can challenge the teams the way they do, Arsenal as well, it tells you that coaches are watching the games, coming up with thoughts and trying to be creative in the way they solve the monsters.
“Mamelodi Sundowns are no different, they have set the bar so high – and every coach in the country must look to say, ‘How do I deal with this?’ You have two ways, you either take the initiative or you give the initiative.
“If you give them the initiative and say, ‘I’m, giving you the ball, I’m going to use the space – you will never get it back’, then you resolve and say ‘no, I will compete for the ball, if you have it, I’ll demand I get it. And when I have it I utilise it’.”
The former Sundowns coach went on to state that planning to hold Sundowns for a point is likely to be a futile exercise as the quality they have can break down most teams.
“So when you have a realistic game [with these targets] then you have a chance. Because let’s be fair and honest, if you sit back against Sundowns, you will sit back for 95 minutes, chances are you may lose,” he continued.
“Worst part? You work on a plan all week to sit back and concede in the first minute, the plan is out the window, so you have to be realistic and I think what Pirates did, is what any other coach would [have] done. You can’t go to a final with the same plan that gave you nothing.”
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Swallows return to league action next week against Masandawana – who will be aiming to make it nine wins from their opening nine league encounters.
