Chiefs and Orlando Pirates clash for a fifth time this season, this time in the Nedbank Cup last 32, with Amakhosi facing the challenge of having to change their central defensive partnership of Gordinho and Eric Mathoho without disrupting the team’s rhythm.
However, Komphela insists they will not make a big fuss of selecting a replacement and says it provides an opportunity for the remaining centre-backs in his squad to step up.
“I mean it’s an open secret that Gordinho, who had been playing in a couple of previous matches, is suspended. We are leaving that slot open to any of the other centre-backs to fill in,” says Komphela.
“One thing that we guard against is to exaggerate challenges, because the minute you do that it becomes a problem. Truly so, we’ve had our challenges in terms of a central pairing and at some stage we were more consistent with Mathoho and Gordinho.
“Now that he is suspended it has created an opportunity to Siyanda Xulu, [Daniel] Cardoso, Morgan Gould, even to ‘Pa’ Gaxa – he can also play in central defence.”
Komphela adds: “Yes, it does affect the rhythm of the team, as well as the understanding of the pairing, but we cannot complain because suspensions are made to be there, and we coaches just need to be prepared for them.”
Following a recent spate of injuries to key members in his squad, including goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune and midfielder George Lebese, Komphela is pleased that he has every registered player fit and competing for a place.
“In terms of injuries everything is perfect,” confirms Komphela.