Mokwena: Erasmus borderline disrespectful to Sundowns fans
MAMELODI Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has commented on the heated exchange he had with Orlando Pirates striker Kermit Erasmus during the Carling Black
Label Cup final last weekend. While addressing the incident, Mokwena uncharacteristically cut a frustrated figure, stating that he will not be commenting on the incident again.
He also added that he found the behaviour of Erasmus – who left the Brazilians to rejoin Pirates at the start of the season – was “borderline disrespectful”.
Mokwena said that he has since exchanged text messages with Erasmus.
“I will speak about it for the last time. When I look at the sequence of events, I look at him scoring a fantastic goal in Polokwane against us,” Mokwena said.
“He lacked celebration towards Sundowns, which went towards our supporters. I listened to things that he has said, which have been borderline disrespectful to the fans and the Motsepe family for all that they have done for him.”
Mokwena said that he was surprised by the way Erasmus tackled Haashim Domingo, as he was under the impression that the duo were close friends.
“It was a tackle that was made on a person who I thought was a close teammate of his (Domingo). They looked close when they were in the Sundowns squad,” added Mokwena.
After being reduced to a bit-part role at Sundowns last season, Erasmus opted to join Pirates for a second time at the start of the season. He previously spent three years on the books of the Sea Robbers between 2013 and 2016.
Hailed as a potential “next Benni Mccarthy” when he burst onto the scene with Supersport United in 2007, Erasmus’ career has been filled with inconsistency and flashes of brilliance.
As a youngster, he showed promise, which convinced Dutch club Feyenoord to sign him in 2007. Now 32, Erasmus could have another two to three years of football left in him. As a senior player in Jose Riveiro’s Pirates side, he will play a crucial role in helping the club try to reclaim their former glory as giants of South African football.