Yesterday the former Bafana Bafana captain and Free State Stars great resigned as the head coach of the Lamontville-based Golden Arrows.

The Kroonstad-born former Bloemfontein Celtic tactician joins the Brazilians as the 1st team’s senior coach and he will report directly to the joint coaches, Manqoba Mngqithi and Rhulani Mokwena.

Komphela confirmed his departure from Arrows via a short statement.

“I would like to express my deep gratitude to the Chairperson of Lamontville Golden Arrows, Mato Madlala, and to Golden Arrows FC for their support and encouragement to me whilst I was head coach,” Komphela said.

“I have been given an exciting opportunity to join Mamelodi Sundowns as Senior Coach and to work with joint head coaches Manqoba Mngqithi and Rhulani Mokwena.

“I look forward to this exciting challenge and hope to contribute to the growth and success of Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa and on the African continent.”

Downs also confirmed the arrival of Komphela via a short statement of their own.

“Mamelodi Sundowns are pleased to announce the recruitment of Coach Steve Komphela into the Masandawana technical team. His role will be the First Team Senior Coach and will report to the joint head coaches.

“Coach Steve Komphela started his coaching career at Manning Rangers in 2002 and has gone on to coach in the national team structures with Bafana Bafana and the under 23.

“Some of the teams he has coached are Free State Stars, Maritzburg United, Dynamos, Bloemfontein Celtic, Kaizer Chiefs and Platinum Stars which is where he got to meet Coach Rulani Mokwena.

“Welcome to Masandawana Jola!”

@MorganPiek OFM Sport