Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena says Steve Komphela's motivation to beat his former employers should have been higher in their goalless stalemate on Wednesday.
There was no love lost as Komphela came up against his former side, who had already won the DStv Premiership title, while his Arrows outfit are fighting to secure a top eight spot.
It is safe to say that the game produced all the fireworks initially anticipated, despite the lack of goals at the Mpumalanga Stadium.
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Asked after the game whether the game held more significance as they were coming up against a former colleague, Mokwena pointed in the direction of Komphela, saying that he should have had more motivation to beat the Brazilians in their own backyard.
"Well, I think maybe he's motivation to beat us should have been higher, especially when there's a numerical advantage, but I can't speak for Steve. We tried to win the game. We did everything we can to win the game and I'm very proud of the players in their effort. And maybe that's a question for him," he told journalists after the match.
As to whether there was added spice to the spectacle due to the veiled attacks between himself and Komphela, Mokwena says his sole focus is on Sundowns.
"I don't play in that space. I try to be a coach that respects the game and tries to focus on helping the team. And that's why even when there was a situation in the last game. I had to go against my heart and pull Divine [Lunga] out in the first half. I do what's best for the team even today. When we get a red card, it hurts to take out Themba Zwane so early because he was playing well. But I have to do what's best for the team.
"You know, so my focus for the time is not on the other things on the side, and my focus is on being as professional as I possibly can to help the team."
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