Komphela awarded Coach of the Month

JOHANNESBURG – Bloemfontein Celtic coach Steve Komphela was on Monday voted Coach of the Month of August following his stellar start at his new club.

Defender Alfred Ndengane was also a recipient of the Player of the Month.

“I would have preferred that we bring the entire squad here because all the players are good quality, but of course only individuals are being awarded in this instance,” Komphela said upon accepting the accolade.

Celtic are placed second in the Absa Premiership table after five matches – the coach having managed four wins and a single draw.

Ndengane has been part and parcel of this good start for Phunya Sele Sele, who flirted with relegation last season.

“We remain very cautious about this. The will to win must have will to prepare. We have always had that will to want to achieve things. This is for everyone who worked hard since June 20 when I arrived.” Komphela explained.

Alfred Ndengane and his Bloem Celtic coach Steve Komphela were named Player and Coach of the Month. Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

He was previously at Kaizer Chiefs for three years, but was unable to win any major trophy in that period.

Komphela resigned from his position at Amakhosi in April, immediately after the Glamour Boys were knocked out of the Nedbank Cup semifinal by Free State Stars at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, where Chiefs fans invaded the pitch, damaged equipment worth thousands and beat up a security guard.

“These guys take one game at a time,” he said of his new crop of players at Celtic. “Even when you leave out players it is tough because they are all good quality.”