Swallows FC have explained the decision to hand new head coach Steve Komphela only a one-year contract.
Komphela was appointed on Monday on after leaving his role as first-team coach of Mamelodi Sundowns abruptly.
Musa Nyatama with his assistant Ditheko Mototo were expected to be at the helm for the upcoming season and had already been given their mandate but with Komphela suddenly becoming available, the Birds had to act swiftly.
It represents something of a coup for Swallows as Komphela comes with vast experience, having previously cut his teeth at the likes of Manning Rangers, Free State Stars, Platinum Stars, Maritzburg United. Kaizer Chiefs, Bloemfontein Celtic, Golden Arrows, Mamelodi Sundowns and even as Bafana Bafana interim coach.
Many expressed surprise that a manager with a pedigree like Komphela’s was only offered a one-year contract but Swallows chairman David Mogashoa has explained why.
Swallows FC chairman David Mogashoa has confirmed new coach Steve Komphela agreed on a one-year deal with an option to extend it further at the end of the season following the surprise appointment.
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“That’s a big appointment, something that happened unexpectedly,” Mogashoa told SABC Sport.
“I got wind of it last week Friday that coach Steve was available and I had to move quickly. Considering this was done very quickly, he is on a season-long contract, plus an option to renew it for a longer term.
“Obviously we wanted coach Musa to continue, but coach Steve is more experienced and I still want Musa to learn. I don’t want to throw him under the bus because, after three games with no results, supporters will be calling for him to go. So it’s a good thing for Musa to learn from Steve and get equipped with the qualification.
“I was actually very worried the whole week and I almost changed my mind because I made a commitment to Musa. We called a meeting. It was myself, the CEO, the general manager and coach Musa.
“We were so shocked because he was accepting of everything, that there was someone more senior and he was willing to work under them. We invited him to dinner for coach Steve’s birthday. He is willing to learn.”
