Footballer-turned-lawyer Siboniso Gaxa breaks silence on how questioning Steve Komphela's tactics led to him being 'robbed' by Kaizer Chiefs - 'Bobby was honest with me! Even today, the team is still struggling'

Former Bafana Bafana defender Siboniso Gaxa joined Kaizer Chiefs in 2012 after returning from Belgium.

He spent four successful seasons with the club, earning two league titles during his time.

However, his exit from Amakhosi in 2016 was far from smooth and became the subject of controversy.

Gaxa took the club to court over a contractual dispute, claiming he had signed a contract extension that was later disregarded.

He explained that his fallout with then-coach Steve Komphela ultimately led to him being sidelined.

Gaxa revealed that disagreements over tactics and the team's performance caused tension between them.

The relationship deteriorated to the point where Komphela reportedly refused to work with him.

According to the 40-year-old, Chiefs decided to make him the "sacrificial lamb" to resolve the standoff.

He shared his side of the story during a recent radio interview, offering new insights into his departure. Despite the unpleasant end, he has remained vocal about his belief in honesty and speaking out for the good of the team.

"I was asked to voice myself, and I did. I said it. Sometimes, as a player, when you speak your mind, some coaches don’t like the truth. For me, it was the truth because, even after I left, nothing changed—it’s still the same. Even today, the team is still struggling, and it started back in 2016," said Gaxa on Radio 2000 with Thabiso Mosia.

"I was raising issues, mostly about tactics and the approach to games. We weren’t winning matches; we were drawing too many games. I felt we needed to ask the players who had won under Stuart Baxter for help. I was honest. I knew my honesty might cause trouble, but I was willing to take that risk for the benefit of the team."

"There were issues between me and [Steve Komphela], and I was questioning certain things about his system. From that point, things just went sour between us. I don’t think he was inclined to keep me in the team the following season because I was questioning things. In the end, they had to sacrifice one person, and unfortunately, it was me."

"A few months later, I met with Bobby [Motaung] in Melrose, and he was honest with me. People misunderstand Bobby—when things go wrong at Chiefs, he’s blamed for everything," Gaxa added. "But when the team does well, no one mentions his name. He told me straight that they had to sacrifice someone because [Komphela] wasn’t willing to work with me anymore."

Since leaving Chiefs, the former Bafana Bafana defender won the league with Bidvest Wits in the following season and he is now a lawyer.

This achievement highlighted the ongoing issues at Chiefs, as they have continued to struggle to win the league. Gaxa's concerns about tactics and team approach during his time at Amakhosi appear to have gone unaddressed.

For Chiefs to regain their league-winning form, they need to revisit the strategies that brought them success in the past. Insights from experienced players like Gaxa, who also represented South Africa at the 2010 World Cup, could be invaluable. Their perspectives might help the club rediscover the formula for consistent success.

Chiefs face a crucial clash against Chippa United as they look to salvage what has been a disappointing year.

With a new coach at the helm, the team has struggled to find consistency in their performances. The pressure is mounting on both the players and the technical staff to deliver a positive result.

A win against Chippa could restore some hope and confidence among fans who have endured a tough season. Chiefs must rise to the occasion if they want to end the year on a high note.