Mamelodi Sundowns silent after alleged Steve Komphela incident

Mamelodi Sundowns have not commented on an alleged altercation involving assistant coach Steve Komphela and Wiliete SC head coach Beto Bianchi after Sunday’s 0-0 Caf Champions League draw in Angola.

Brazilian coach Bianchi was allegedly struck “in the intimate area” by Komphela following a heated exchange after the final whistle at Estadio Nacional Tundavala in Lubango.

Some reports have claimed Bianchi racially abused Komphela after the 2026-27 Caf Champions League second preliminary round first-leg match. Those allegations have not been independently verified.

Bianchi was reportedly taken from the stadium by ambulance and admitted to hospital. His assistant coach represented Wiliete at the post-match media conference.

Reports in the Angolan media confirmed that an incident had taken place.

Radio Nacional de Angola reported: “The head coach of Wiliete Sport Clube de Benguela, Beto Bianchi, was admitted to a hospital unit this Sunday following a violent incident in which he was allegedly hit in the intimate area by a member of the Mamelodi Sundowns technical staff.

“The disagreement occurred immediately after the final whistle. The violent episode was publicly reported by the assistant coach of the Benguela team during the press conference.”

Bianchi has since been discharged from hospital, according to reports. Neither Mamelodi Sundowns nor Wiliete has issued an official statement about the alleged incident.

Wiliete vice-president Vitorino Vicele said the club intended to seek disciplinary action through the Confederation of African Football (Caf).

“It is something that should not happen, especially when we are talking about two professional teams,” he was quoted as saying by the Angolan press agency Angop, via Kickoff.

“We will therefore lodge complaints with the relevant Caf bodies and the Angolan justice system.”

That account differs from an Angop report which said Mamelodi Sundowns and Wiliete had agreed after the match not to pursue the matter further.

Videos shared on social media appear fuzzy, shaky and unclear, offering little additional insight into what happened.

Mamelodi Sundowns executive for legal and commercial matters Yogesh Singh could not be reached for comment.

The second leg will be played at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Friday at 8pm. The winners will progress to the Champions League group stage.