- Mamelodi Sundowns assistant coach Steve Komphela allegedly assaulted Wiliete SC's Brazilian head coach Beto Bianchi after a CAF Champions League qualifier in Angola
- Bianchi was reportedly hospitalised following the incident, causing him to miss the mandatory post-match press conference
- Neither Mamelodi Sundowns nor CAF has issued an official statement, with the allegations still unconfirmed
Mamelodi Sundowns assistant coach Steve Komphela is at the centre of a serious misconduct allegation after he reportedly struck Wiliete SC head coach Beto Bianchi following a CAF Champions League qualifier in Angola on Sunday.
The match, a goalless draw between Sundowns and the Angolan club, ended without incident on the pitch. What allegedly followed in the aftermath, however, has drawn significant attention across African football.
What reportedly happened in Angola
According to reports circulating in African football media, the confrontation may have been triggered by a racial insult directed at Komphela, to which the former Kaizer Chiefs coach allegedly responded with a punch. Bianchi, who joined Wiliete SC in July, was said to have sustained injuries as a result and was taken to a local hospital for urgent medical treatment.
The Brazilian coach's absence from the mandatory post-match press conference was confirmed by his assistant, who addressed the media in his place and acknowledged that Bianchi had been hospitalised.
Ghanaian journalist Micky Jr reported on X: "Wiliete SC coach Beto Bianchi was involved in a clash with Mamelodi Sundowns assistant coach Steve Komphela in Angola. Bianchi reportedly sustained injuries and was taken to hospital."
No Official Response From Sundowns or CAF
As of publication, Mamelodi Sundowns and Wiliete SC have both declined to issue formal statements. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has similarly not announced any disciplinary proceedings in connection with the reported altercation.
Should the allegations be substantiated and Komphela found to have committed physical assault, CAF's disciplinary framework provides for significant consequences. These range from an automatic red card and touchline ban to extended suspensions of several months or longer under the CAF Disciplinary Code, depending on the severity of the conduct.
The two sides are due to meet again in the return leg on Friday, 23 October at Loftus Versfeld in Tshwane, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00. Further clarity on the incident is expected as more information emerges from Angola ahead of that fixture.
Source: Briefly News
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