Orlando Pirates assistant coach Rhulani Mokwena believes Steve Komphela was a big loss for Kaizer Chiefs because of the tactical acumen he possesses, writes DEAN WORKMAN.

Komphela left Chiefs back in April after months of pressure from the Amakhosi faithful culminated in the fan riots seen at the Moses Mabhida Stadium after the Nedbank Cup semi-final loss to Free State Stars.

Chiefs have since replaced the now Bloemfontein Celtic mentor with Italian tactician Giovanni Solinas, who, after a terrible start to the season, finally seems to be finding his feet at Naturena.

Mokwena, however, feels that the loss of Komphela is hurting Chiefs and that is evident in their technical and tactical performances so far this season.

‘Honestly‚ without sounding biased to probably my allegiance to Steve‚ but I think having lost Steve Komphela is, in my opinion, a big loss for Chiefs from a technical perspective‚’ Mokwena told the media at a press conference in the buildup to Saturday’s Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs.

‘The type of leader that he is‚ the tactical acumen that he possesses‚ I think in that regard, I think if you compare the previous team to this team and from an organisational perspective‚ you can clearly see the lack of a coach of that calibre.

‘Without taking anything away from the current head coach‚ but I do think that in Steve Komphela you can see with regards to how they played last season and how they play this season. You can see from the minute details, you can see the loss that has taken place,’ concluded Mokwena.

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