Why Komphela feels Zuma, Mhango and Jali are misunderstood

Moroka Swallows head coach Steve Komphela has opened up on why he feels the so-called ‘bad boys’ Gabadinho Mhango, Dumisani Zuma and Andile Jali are misunderstood.

The trio signed for the Dube Birds after Komphela was appointed to spearhead the club in what was a surprise move from Mamelodi Sundowns to the Soweto giants in July.

Meanwhile, there’s been controversy about how Swallows gaffer would handle the three signings after they were reportedly problematic in their previous clubs.

However, according to Komphela, one needs to be mature enough in order to understand the trio. And they must not be intimidated to work with them. He went on to sing their praises, saying he appreciates having them at his disposal.

KOMPHELA ON WHY ZUMA, MHANGO AND JALI ARE MISUNDERSTOOD

“I beg to differ, I’ve taken geniuses,” said Komphela during the MTN8 launch in Randburg on Thursday.

“So, when you have those players of that calibre, okay let’s look at the quality of those players [ Andile Jali, Gabadinho Mhango, and Dumisani Zuma] you mention it’s unquestionable and impeccable.

“It’s not easy to deal with superstars and geniuses. You also have to be mature enough not to be intimidated and work with them. Listen, I appreciate every second with them. 

“And if you see how we interact at moments and outside the field. The maturity, they’re excellent in how they solve problems. Listen, if there’s someone who says that I was a million of those, bring a million of those. I’d like to have a million of those. I love them.” 

Meanwhile, following Swallows’ 1-0 defeat to Cape Town City FC on Wednesday, Komphela was asked about ‘problematic’ Mhango. He said the striker is abnormal and needs a special task, meaning he must be handled in his special way.

‘GENIUS NEEDS SPECIAL WORK’

“I must kick this out of the dressing room quickly. Geniuses will always pose a challenge, not a problem because genius is intelligent,” he said.

“You can’t go to a genius and give them a 10-point questionnaire that is the same as you and I and everybody else. A genius will complete that by the time you finish giving the sheet to the last candidate. What’s gonna happen with the genius then? He starts to be delinquent. 

“So, a genius needs work and special work, then he focuses on what he’s given. They complete it and then as the other sheet is given to the other candidate in the classroom, he’s busy working on his special work.”

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