The former Bafana Bafana captain and defender, Steve Komphela, has been named as a new Mamelodi Sundowns senior coach.

This comes mere days after the seven-time back-to-back defending Premier Soccer League champions and Rhulani Mokwena parted ways.

This comes as a big surprise especially as the Kroonstad-born Komphela was set to return to Lamontville when he was to link up with Golden Arrows.

He was also linked with the job at Sekhukhune United, but that vacancy has been filled.

Komphela who up until recently was the head coach of Moroka Swallows, previously also coached Kaizer Chiefs and Bloemfontein Celtic.

For Komphela it’s a return to Chloorkop when he previously served as a co-coach along with Mokwena and Manqoba Mngqithi.

It would appear that Mngqithi will continue with the head coaching duties while Komphela will be his assistant.

On Saturday the Brazilians confirmed the return of Komphela.

“Mamelodi Sundowns today welcomed Steve Komphela who will serve as Senior Coach and will assist Manqoba Mngqithi and the Technical Team,” said the club.

 The former Free State Stars captain and coach, in turn said he is excited to be back at Sundowns.

“I am very excited to be back at Mamelodi Sundowns where I was always inspired and treated with respect and love,” said Komphela.

“I am committed to contributing to the club achieving its goals in South Africa and on the African continent.”

Sundowns are currently busy with their preseason ahead of the 2-24/25 domestic season.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport