Komphela is hoping the pendulum of good fortune swings their way yet again just like it did the last time. Chiefs triumphed 6-5 on penalties in the last cup meeting between the two rivals, which was a Telkom Knockout semi-final in November last year.
The two giants have been pitted against each other yet again – this time in a last 32 Nedbank Cup tie that explodes into life at FNB Stadium tomorrow (15h00).
With the two clubs standing on a stalemate of having each won six (two other games finished as draws) in the cup games they have contested since the start of the modern day PSL era back in August 1996, whoever wins tomorrow doesn’t only progress to the last 16 but will also take the lead in cup wins between the two.
With the rivalry that intense, Komphela understands too well how tight these games tend to be.
“It is a question of who has the luck on the day. I hope it comes our way so that we keep the season going,” admits Komphela in his preview of this contest that plenty wouldn’t have wanted as a first-round tie.
“We have to accept that this is the way the draw is and we hope it will be enjoyable for the followers. Fact remains that Orlando Pirates versus Kaizer Chiefs is a big one and maybe one just has to embrace the occasion.
“We will go through the match on Saturday because as it is right now everybody is excited that this is happening and I am sure both sets of supporters from Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates always appreciate the encounter.”
With their focus split up into three from holding onto the tiny drops of hope that they have of defending their League title to the demands of progressing in the CAF Champions League and the Nedbank Cup, the former Bafana Bafana skipper insists they are dealing with each game as it comes instead of clouding their minds.
“From our side our focus is on the match. We are looking at it as Orlando Pirates being a difficult match. Whether it is in the Nedbank Cup or any other competition it becomes a serious match just like we have the same perspective about all the other matches that then follow.
“In terms of it’s now or never, every match is like that and we have been to two finals already but we want to not only go to finals but we want to win the finals. We will focus on the match and give it all the respect and the rest will be about the tournament. When we are done with this upcoming match we will then move on to the next,” he explains.
Saturday is a battle of two clubs that have dominated this competition and that were champions as recently as 2013 (Chiefs) and 2014 (Pirates).
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