Mamelodi Sundowns assistant coach Steve Komphela allegedly racially abused in Angola

Mamelodi Sundowns assistant coach Steve Komphela has reportedly been subjected to racial abuse by Wiliete SC head coach Beto Bianchi before an alleged physical altercation following Sunday’s goalless CAF Champions League draw in Angola.

The incident, which reportedly occurred at the Tundavala National Stadium after the preliminary-round first leg, has attracted attention following claims of racial slurs and spitting during a confrontation involving members of the two teams’ technical benches.

Some reports have alleged that Komphela punched Bianchi during the incident, with the Wiliete coach reportedly taken to hospital afterwards. However, neither club nor the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially confirmed the circumstances surrounding the alleged confrontation.

The claims have added an off-field dimension to an otherwise tightly contested encounter, with the two sides scheduled to meet again in the return leg in Pretoria this weekend.

Andile Ncube details alleged confrontation

South African broadcaster Andile Ncube discussed the incident on Metro FM, claiming that Komphela was escorted from the stadium by police following the altercation.

Ncube suggested that Komphela understood the language being spoken during the exchange, noting his familiarity with Portuguese.

“Coach Steve Komphela left the stadium with cops in Angola. Steve Komphela can speak Portuguese; he understands it. He is very good with languages; he’s got a good grasp of Portuguese,” Ncube said.

He further alleged that the confrontation involved racial insults and spitting, claiming that Bianchi spat at the Sundowns assistant coach.

“He was escorted out of the stadium because there was some form of altercation, from what I hear, with the bench. There were racial slurs, spitting. The coach spat on Coach Steve, and I know Coach Steve personally. I call him big brother,” he added.

Ncube also suggested that the alleged provocation may have contributed to Komphela’s reaction. However, the details surrounding the exchange remain unverified, and the claims have not been officially established by the clubs or CAF.

Wiliete threaten legal action

Wiliete SC vice-president Vitorins Lunga Vicele has indicated that the Angolan club intends to pursue the matter through the appropriate football and legal channels.

Speaking to Angolan publication Angop, Vicele expressed concern about the alleged incident and stressed that such confrontations should not occur between professional teams.

“It is something that should not happen, especially when we are talking about two professional teams. We will therefore lodge complaints with the relevant CAF bodies and the Angolan justice system,” he said.

The statement signals Wiliete’s intention to seek formal action over the incident, although further details about the club’s complaint and the specific allegations have not been confirmed.

It also remains unclear whether CAF will investigate the matter or whether either club will issue a detailed statement outlining its version of events.

Focus shifts to Pretoria return leg

The alleged confrontation threatens to overshadow the sporting contest when the teams meet again in Pretoria for the second leg of their CAF Champions League tie.

Sundowns will be looking to secure qualification after Sunday’s 0-0 draw in Angola, while the incident involving Komphela and Bianchi could attract further attention ahead of the return fixture.

With allegations of racial abuse, spitting and physical confrontation yet to be independently established, the circumstances surrounding the incident remain unresolved.