Amakhosi will host Abafana Bes’thende at the FNB Stadium on Sunday afternoon, with kick-off set for 15h30.
Despite having drawn a fellow premier division side in the opening round of the cup, Chiefs will fancy their chances looking at Arrows’ recent form of just one win in their previous 16 games, and currently sitting in 12th position on the league table.
However, Komphela remains wary of the Durban-based outfit’s quality – from their playing personnel, to their technical team, and as far up as their administration.
“We read more into their strengths, than where they are on the Absa Premiership table,” defended Komphela. “I don’t think it is a true reflection of their quality.
“They are very youthful and exciting; very quick coming out. They have two great coaches on the bench and an ambitious administration, and those are the challenges we have to face.
“As for us, there are not too many injuries or knocks, and in terms of our preparations we are ready to go into the Nedbank Cup – the last trophy for the season.
“Every time there’s a cup competition for Chiefs, you have to throw your weight. We would love to win it, but it doesn’t only come through wishes, we have to work hard for it.”
Larsen has also piled the pressure on Chiefs, having labelled the Soweto giants ‘favourites’ heading into this afternoon’s clash, but Komphela is having none of it.
“Maybe he’s turning on the pressure screws, he wants more heat to come my way. But that is the nature of being at Chiefs, and we welcome that [pressure],” the 50-year-old argued.
“To be honest and realistic, that is how it has to be. The pedigree, background, history and tradition is that Chiefs have to win things, and it is no different this time.
“But, I must take it back to him and say: I hope he’s not saying that to give a false sense of hope. We know how dangerous he can get. At any given time, Arrows could beat anyone.
“We’re not going to go into a match under the impression that we’re favourites, and it’s our God-given birth-right to win it – no, we’ll have to go in and dig deep.”