The Golden Arrows coach understands the pressure that will come against Witbank Spurs after Mashaba's side stunned Maritzburg United in the first round on penalties.
"Shakes is a winner, he has changed Witbank Spurs, they now play with purpose and direct football, we won't underestimate them," Komphela said.
“It won't be an easy game as I've played against them with Free State Stars and it wasn’t an easy one."
Abafana Bes’thende haven’t won a cup since 2009 and are looking to end their trophy drought.
Arrows assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi has previously spoken of the squad's desire for silverware but Komphela takes a measured approach, adding: "We will see how far we go, we will take it one stage at a time."
Witbank haven't won in their past two games. They drew 1-1 with Uthongathi FC and lost 3-1 to Pretoria University last week, but Komphela believes Mashaba's team is far better than their relegation fight in the National First Division might suggest.
Arrows lost their first game under Komphela last Sunday against SuperSport United at home, and Komphela is using that experience as a positive.
"In football you don't lose, you learn, we take positives from this game to the next one," he concluded.