Steve Komphela backs Sundowns to bounce back after difficult continental spell

Mamelodi Sundowns assistant coach Steve Komphela believes the club have the character, experience and quality to recover from their recent disappointments on the continental stage.

The South African giants have endured a difficult spell after being eliminated from the CAF Champions League by Williete SC before suffering defeat to USM Alger in the CAF Super Cup at Loftus Versfeld.

The setbacks represent a significant disappointment for a club accustomed to competing for major honours, particularly as Sundowns will now be unable to defend their continental title.

However, Komphela insists the team have what it takes to overcome the difficult period, describing the situation as an opportunity to demonstrate their character.

“Champions must always find a way [to recover]. This is how character gets built. I don’t think we’re the first ones to be through this and we won’t be the last ones – Sundowns has been in situations where we need to dust ourselves and show character,” he said.

The assistant coach also expressed confidence in the quality of the squad and technical team, highlighting the experience within the dressing room as a major strength in their efforts to turn things around.

Although he acknowledged that the recent results would affect the players, Komphela believes accepting the setbacks and identifying areas for improvement will be crucial to their recovery.

“We have a great dressing room of highly experienced players and a technical team that is strong enough, that has a way to focus on what has to be looked at. Yes, we will feel it, but the best part is understanding there’s nothing you can do about it.

“You can only go back, do your corrections, rectify and find a way out and as they always say – this is breakfast for champions, give us an opportunity to bounce back again,” he added.

Sundowns will now use the two-and-a-half-week FIFA international break to regroup before returning to domestic action against Kruger United and Polokwane City.

The club will subsequently turn their attention to the next stage of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup as they seek to restore confidence and put their recent continental disappointments behind them.