Themba Zwane in action for Bafana Bafana during the Africa Cup of Nations FILE - Themba Zwane in action for Bafana Bafana during the Africa Cup of Nations. Photo: Fadel Senna/AFP
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has taken another swipe at Bafana Bafana mentor Hugo Broos — this time over the injury to star midfielder Themba Zwane.
The 35-year-old Zwane is set for an extended time on the sidelines after injuring his Achilles in this week’s Africa Cup of Nations qualification draw against Congo in Brazzaville.
“It’s sad when you lose some of your players that you were trying your best to save,” the Sundowns boss was quoted by KickOff on Friday.
Mngqithi was not happy that after featuring for 90 minutes in Bafana’s 5-0 win over Congo in Gqeberha last week, Zwane against started the second game against Congo.
“To see Themba Zwane playing 90 minutes and starting the second match, that already sent alarm bells,” Mngqithi said.
“I think we could have dealt with this better as the two coaches, and to be honest, I do not want to give him a call to talk to him directly.”
Earlier in the week, the two coaches were at loggerheads over the amount of playing time Teboho Mokoena was getting at Sundowns.
Despite being one of the national team’s key players, Mokoena is yet to feature for his club this season.
After Mokoena scored a brace for Bafana against Congo in Gqeberha, Broos declared he did not agree with Mngqithi’s decision to sideline him.
Reacting to that on Thursday, Mngqithi essentially told the Belgian to mind his own business.
“He must manage his house and allow me manage my house,” Mngqithi was quoted by iDiskiTimes.
“Because nobody tells me who plays in this team. I cannot be expected to be told by another coach who to play in my team.”
IOL Sport