Champions League: Wiliete SC to report Steve Komphela-Beto Bianchi incident to CAF

Angolan club Wiliete Sport Clube de Benguela say they will report an alleged altercation between Mamelodi Sundowns coach Steve Komphela and their head coach Beto Bianchi to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Angolan authorities.

Wiliete vice-president Vitorino Lunga Vicele confirmed that Bianchi was kicked in a sensitive area while leaving the dressing room for a post-match press conference following Saturday’s goalless draw in the CAF Champions League.

The Brazilian coach was subsequently taken to hospital, with Wiliete describing the incident as unacceptable between two professional teams.

“It is something that is not recommended, especially when we talk about two professional teams, so we will complain to the competent bodies of CAF and Angolan justice,” Vicele told the Angola News Agency.

The alleged incident occurred after the first leg of the second preliminary round at Tundavala National Stadium in Angola.

Reports indicate that Bianchi fell following the incident and took about 50 minutes to recover. The Provincial Command of the National Police of Huíla also confirmed that a disagreement between the two coaches had occurred in the dressing room after the match.

South African journalist Robert Marawa has offered further details of the confrontation, claiming Komphela felt disrespected during the exchange.

According to Marawa, Bianchi allegedly swore at Komphela in Portuguese and spat at him before the Sundowns coach kicked his counterpart.

“Steve Komphela is multilingual, and he knew exactly what he was saying. One of the things he says he disrespected him the most was when he spat at him. He says no human being should ever be spat at,” Marawa said.

Marawa added that Komphela had admitted kicking Bianchi, claiming the Sundowns coach believed there was no better way to react to the alleged provocation.

Mamelodi Sundowns have reportedly apologised both verbally and in writing over the incident, although the South African club has yet to issue a public statement.

Bianchi remains in hospital, and his availability for Wiliete’s return leg against Sundowns in South Africa this weekend remains uncertain.

The incident has cast a shadow over the Champions League tie, with Wiliete now seeking intervention from CAF and the Angolan justice authorities.