Ea Lla Koto was relegated to the National First Division on Saturday following a 1-0 defeat to the champions Mamelodi Sundowns at Goble Park.

Komphela, who coaches Golden Arrows and played close to 150 games for Free State Stars told OFM Sport that he was surprised that they were relegated.

“I was surprised by Free State, but not by Maritzburg," said the clubs legendary former captain.

“Maritzburg had been playing very well. At some stage even if they were relegated you would say that maybe the level of competitiveness in the league and not their weakness was the cause.

“Not because they were not capable, but someone had to go down.

“I know how Free Stars run their team. They are very focussed and they are very hands-on.

“I was just surprised that they dropped, but the surprise was based on the five candidates who could have gone.

“It could have been Chippa United, it could have been Black Leopards. It could have been any one of the five teams. It happened to be Free State Stars, and that's why I was so sad, and I still feel bad about it.

“I hope that everybody from the management to the players will knuckle down immediately and work on a project to come back.

“You cannot wait any longer. You don’t have to wait for tomorrow or next week, they should have started immediately when they knew that it is gone. Get up and go.”

Meanwhile, the promotion-relegation matches start on Wednesday afternoon when Royal Eagles host Tshakhuma FC at the Chatsworth Stadium. On Sunday Maritzburg United will host Royal Eagles at the Harry Gwala Stadium.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport