DStv Premiership side Moroka Swallows dropped a bombshell with the announcement that it had parted ways with head coach Steve Komphela on Monday.
In a statement published to social media, the club confirmed on Monday evening what had been widely anticipated for more than a week, that the former Bafana Bafana player and journeyman manager would be leaving the club.
This was not a major surprise given that Swallows had already terminated the contracts of almost all the players in their first-team squad – leaving Komphela with very little to work with.
Confirming the decision to part ways the Swallows statement read: “Moroka Swallows FC and coach Steve have agreed to a mutual separation.
“This comes after several discussions between both parties, where it was ultimately agreed that it would be in the best interest of both the club and coach Steve to separate at this stage.
“There remains a mutual respect between both parties and the decision to separate is one both parties have welcomed. The club wishes coach Steve all the best in his future endeavours, and we are grateful for the contributions he has made to the club.
“Coach Steve has expressed gratitude to the club and has wished us well.”
Komphela was not present when Swallows lost 1-0 to Polokwane City at the weekend. When he was asked why he was absent he told the SABC that his relationship with the club had become dysfunctional.
“Elasto Kapowezha, the team manager, is in charge and communicates with players and never with me. I know nothing about all the decisions taken from December 27.
“The last time I heard from the front office was when Mr Xulu communicated with me on January 12 that he was instructed to postpone the preseason resumption that was scheduled for January 15.
“It’s 15 days past that date, and I never got any communication as promised, and that’s why I was not at training.”