Mamelodi Sundowns assistant coach Steve Komphela has been accused of punching Wiliete SC head coach Beto Bianchi following Sunday’s goalless CAF Champions League qualifying draw in Angola.
The reported altercation is alleged to have taken place after the final whistle. African football reporters have claimed it may have followed an alleged racial insult directed at Komphela, who is said to have responded by striking the Brazilian coach.
Bianchi, who joined the Angolan club in July, reportedly suffered injuries and was taken to a local hospital for urgent medical treatment. He was subsequently unable to attend the mandatory post-match press conference.
Instead, his assistant coach spoke to the media and confirmed that Bianchi had been hospitalised.
“Wiliete SC coach Beto Bianchi was involved in a clash with Mamelodi Sundowns assistant coach Steve Komphela in Angola,” Ghanaian journalist Micky Jr reported on X. “Bianchi reportedly sustained injuries and was taken to hospital.”
The circumstances surrounding the alleged incident have not been independently confirmed. The claims against Komphela remain unverified, and there is no official account establishing exactly what happened between the two coaches.
Neither Mamelodi Sundowns nor Wiliete SC has released a statement on the reported confrontation. CAF has also not announced a formal disciplinary investigation.
Komphela, a former Kaizer Chiefs coach, could face action if the allegations are confirmed and he is found guilty. CAF could impose one of two punishments, although no details of those potential sanctions have been given.
Further information is expected to emerge from Angola as the claims are examined. Until then, the alleged assault remains unconfirmed.
The two teams are due to meet again in the return leg in Tshwane this weekend. Mamelodi Sundowns will host Wiliete SC at Loftus Versfeld on Friday, 23 October, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00.
