Chiefs will host First Division outfit Stellenbosch FC at their alternative home in Durban – the Moses Mabhida Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 20h15.
Having come off a rather costly defeat to arch-rivals Orlando Pirates in a league encounter last weekend, Komphela is somewhat guarded about tampering too much with his team selection for the cup clash, given the immense pressure the team are under to win this cup.
He was reluctant to give much away regarding his selection, but was cognizant of the possible risks of trying to give fringe players a chance, despite facing lower division opposition.
“There could be [some changes], but do we have that luxury? Let’s say we reshuffle too much … the same happened with [Jurgen] Klopp at Liverpool, where he reshuffled the team, they played well and were on the verge of winning, only to then draw and he had to face the music” said Komphela.
“So, it’s a question of, ‘Do I freshen the team so that I give opportunity to others? Brilliant idea. But if it backfires I must account.’
“So, it’s also a question of not knowing what’s going to happen, but you still have your wishes. It would be nice that everybody get a chance.”
With the league hopes hanging by a thread, many will regard the Nedbank Cup the final opportunity for Amakhosi to win silverware this season, but Komphela remains adamant that they can still catch up to log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
“Logically, chances are still there [in the league race] and you have to remain optimistic. Only pessimists would give in,” he defended.
“Even if it meant we could still be equal on points there would be a question of goal difference – we still remain optimistic.
“But as is, there are 21 points to go for, there’s only a difference of maybe seven [Ed’s note: Chiefs are eight points behind Sundowns].
“It’s still possible – that’s how we look at it. And as professionals we have to keep doing our job.”