Chiefs relinquished the title after a 1-0 defeat to Ajax Cape Town in Port Elizabeth on Saturday, with Man of the Match Nathan Paulse converting a 56th minute penalty at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
Komphela threw on new signings Abraw and Manqele in search of an equaliser as Amakhosi pressed in the latter stages of the tie.
However, the Urban Warriors held firm, with goalkeeper Anssi Jaakkola making a blinding stop to deny a Willard Katsande header in stoppage time.
"I have to give my compliments to Ajax Cape Town,” Komphela told his club's website.
“We didn’t play our usual rhythm game. Ajax deserved it.
“We just need to admit that we didn’t play well. If you have three to four players not doing well, you know that it will be difficult. It was not a good day in the office. Losing is not nice, especially at this level. However, we have learnt lessons that we will use going forward.”
He added of Abraw and Manqele: “They mixed well. Abraw maybe tried a bit too hard.”
The former Maritzburg United boss felt his side failed to handle Ajax's route one tactics, which was spearheaded by the towering Paulse.
“We prepared for all kinds of tactical options Ajax could come up with, even going the aerial route, which they eventually opted for by starting with Paulse. He was a handful and was therefore selected as the Man of the Match.
“We needed to more aggressive, especially when it comes to winning the second ball, which we failed to do both defensively and offensively.”