Downs, Wits in war of words
Rift over Malajila and Ngele fuels growing emnity
The verbal war between Mamelodi Sundowns and new Absa Premiership champions Bidvest Wits has escalated after Wits accused the African champions of demanding “double figures” for Mogakolodi Ngele and Cuthbert Malajila.
Sundowns yesterday rubbished the claims made at the weekend by Wits coach Gavin Hunt, who said Sundowns’ asking fee for the duo was unreasonable.
But according to Sundowns communications manager Thulani Thuswa, the clubs agreed on a fee for the two players when the deal was done, should Wits wish to keep them permanently. The deal involved Sibusiso Vilakazi going to Sundowns, as Ngele and Malajila were taken to Wits on loan with an option to buy.
“When the deal was done, there was a fee agreed upon and nothing has changed. Why
‘‘ They knew about this fee all along. Why the surprise?
are they surprised,” asked Thuswa yesterday.
“They knew about this fee all along. They were supposed to approach us by December if they wanted to keep the players, but they did not do so.”
After lifting the Absa Premiership trophy at FNB Stadium on Saturday, Hunt said: “The players are going back. They [Sundowns] want double figures for them, so what are you going to do? They don’t want to go back. [But] They are under contract,” said Hunt.
The spat is adding to growing animosity between the sides in the wake of Wits dethroning Sundowns as champions.
Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane fired the first salvo at Wits following their win over the Brazilians on May 1, saying the Clever Boys had played like Stoke City.
Wits responded after they secured the championship two weeks ago, with some of their officials claiming the win was a “triumph over arrogance”.
Also, Hunt accused Sundowns of trying to destabilise their side by revealing on the eve of their match against Polokwane City that Ngele and Malajila would leave.
Mosimane has also appeared to mock Wits, saying “they are not at our level. We are not in competition with them”.
You’d be forgiven for thinking Mamelodi Sundowns won the league this season after their supporters broke into song and dance after their last match of the season.
The “Yellow Nation” applauded the players after their 2-2 draw with relegated Highlands Park at Makhulong Stadium in Tembisa at the weekend.
Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane says the supporters understand that the club gave their all during a tough season.
Sundowns won the 2016 CAF Champions League and Super Cup, which leaves Mosimane very pleased and, evidently, the supporters feel the same way.
“I have to congratulate the boys for their positive attitude. They put their bodies on the line. Secondly, it is to congratulate the Yellow Nation that always sings. They threw the vuvuzela away,” Mosimane said.
The Kagiso-born mentor contended that Sundowns’ domestic campaign unravelled owing to their tough schedule.
“The worst part was playing four games in six days the time we played Chippa United and went to Cape Town City.
“The 2016/17 season was fantastic for us and I will tell you why. We won the grand slams – Champions League and Super Cup. Okay, we lost to Wits in the MTN8 and the title. Congratulations to Wits.”
However, he argued that their season could not be compared with that of other teams, as Sundowns had more games to play, including in Africa.
“You can’t compare. We are playing on Friday (in the Champions League) and where are people? Resting. Last year where were they? Resting. People were playing golf and taking selfies on the beach,” he added.