Mosimane breaks silence on signings

MAMELODI Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane has broken his silence on the signing of Oupa Manyisa and George Lebese, saying he was involved in the negotiations that saw the capture of the two star players.

Sundowns ignited the domestic transfer window a few days ago when they confirmed the arrival of Lebese from Kaizer Chiefs and Manyisa from Orlando Pirates.

Eyebrows were raised when Mosimane did not immediately comment on the arrival of the two players‚ fuelling suggestions that he may not have been consulted during negotiations.

But the outspoken coach said Sundowns management gave him the respect and confidence to decide on all the players who come to the club.

“Sundowns have been very good to me. If something is going on, I know,” he said.

“When Manyisa came [to the club]‚ I was the one who said Manyisa must come.

“I make the team list and substitutes‚ and I am in charge.

“I am the head coach and that you must know.”

Sundowns were dumped out of the MTN8 by Maritzburg United at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday and Mosimane handed his two signings their debuts.

Mosimane said Manyisa was signed to replace Teko Modise and Lebese is viewed as Keegan Dolly’s replacement.

The two players were introduced in the second half and the Sundowns mentor said he was happy with their cameo appearances.

“From Oupa, what I saw on the game is what I thought I would get from him,” Mosimane said.

“If you don’t know Sundowns‚ you would never say that they are new to the team because they fitted in like a hand in glove.

“That is why we signed and opted for them.

“George plays on the left the way we play and he fits in very well to replace Keegan.

“You don’t sign because you have to sign.

“Oupa has come in as a replacement for Teko Modise because we need that kind of creativity and he played very well against Maritzburg.

“There was a shot from outside the box which is his speciality.

“We always push opponents on the edge of the box and if the ball had not been deflected a little bit we could have been telling a different story.”

Mosimane also said he was still in the market for a top quality striker to beef up his attacking department.

“We would love one more striker to prepare ourselves in case Khama [Billiat] leaves,” he said.

“You know the striker I want‚ hopefully I can get him but it is very difficult.

“When you create opportunities like we had against Maritzburg there is only one man who can finish them‚ sniper one chance one goal.”

I make the team list and substitutes‚ and I am in charge. I am the head coach and that you must know