Mamelodi Sundowns assistant coach Steve Komphela has reportedly given his version of events following an alleged physical altercation with Wiliete SC head coach Beto Bianchi after their CAF Champions League encounter in Angola on Sunday.
The incident, which allegedly left the Brazilian coach requiring hospital treatment, has overshadowed the first-leg encounter between the two sides, which ended in a goalless draw at the Estádio Nacional Tundavala in Lubango.
According to an account relayed by South African sports broadcaster Robert Marawa on his show, Komphela claimed that he felt racially insulted and disrespected by Bianchi before the situation escalated into a physical confrontation.
Marawa said Komphela believed Bianchi had sworn at him in Portuguese and spat at him during the confrontation.
“He said, no matter how big your buffer is, his biggest weakness is disrespect and racism, which he felt happened,” Marawa reportedly said while explaining Komphela’s version of events.
Marawa further indicated that Komphela acknowledged lashing out during the confrontation, although he reportedly maintained that he had been provoked.
However, the allegations of racial abuse and spitting have not been independently verified, and Bianchi’s account of the exchange has not been publicly established.
Bianchi’s side condemns the incident
Wiliete SC vice-president Vitorino Lunga Vicele condemned the alleged assault, describing the incident as unacceptable in professional football.
Speaking to the media, Vicele said there had been tension between the two technical benches during the match, but the disagreement had seemingly been resolved at half-time.
He alleged that the situation escalated after the final whistle, when Bianchi was reportedly kicked in a sensitive area and collapsed.
According to reports from Angola, the Wiliete coach received medical attention and was subsequently taken to hospital. He was unable to attend the post-match press conference, with his assistant coach addressing the media in his absence.
“It is something that should not happen, especially when we are talking about two professional teams,” Vicele said.
He added that the club intended to lodge complaints with the relevant football authorities and the Angolan justice system.
Vicele also indicated that Sundowns management had apologised verbally and in writing following the incident.
However, reports have differed on whether a formal complaint has since been lodged, leaving uncertainty over the next steps.
Sundowns yet to issue an official statement
As of Tuesday, October 20, Sundowns had not publicly issued a detailed official statement explaining the circumstances surrounding the alleged confrontation.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) had also not publicly confirmed disciplinary proceedings against Komphela.
The incident has raised questions about the conduct of technical officials during continental competitions, particularly as both clubs prepare for the decisive second leg.
Attention turns to the return leg
Despite the controversy, Sundowns and Wiliete must now prepare for their return encounter, scheduled for Friday, October 23, at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.
The tie remains delicately balanced at 0-0, leaving both teams needing a positive result to strengthen their hopes of progressing in the CAF Champions League.
While Sundowns will enjoy home advantage, Wiliete will be hoping to produce another disciplined performance as they pursue their continental ambitions.
The alleged altercation, however, is likely to remain under scrutiny as questions continue over what happened after the final whistle in Angola.
Both coaches’ accounts remain an important part of establishing the full circumstances. Komphela’s reported claims of provocation have not been independently confirmed, while Bianchi has yet to make a publicly verified statement detailing his version of events.
