Soccer Laduma Fair Play We arranged to meet this week Morgan Mammila – Chippa United CEO

“To be honest, I had arranged the meeting with James, but unfortunately we couldn’t sit the meeting. The thing is, we travel a lot and even now I only got to Port Elizabeth on Monday and we arranged to meet with James this week so that we can sort out whatever matter is a problem and move forward. We value James and we value the contribution he has made to the team, but players do move from time to time. Even though he has played for Barcelona for so many years, there will come a time where Lionel Messi has to leave Barcelona. It happened with Andres Iniesta. This is an industry where you have to always look for a challenge. We cannot run away from that. We value James and his contribution to the team. We will surely have a fruitful meeting with him.”

That’s what I was told Joel Masutha – Former Chippa United head coach

“What I know is that when I came in there was an agreement made between him and the club management. They had already agreed to part ways. That’s what I was told. That is the only thing I know. The boy was working very hard at training and all that, but like I said, there was an arrangement that he was parting ways with the team, so it was going to be difficult for me to play him. He is a very dedicated footballer and it shouldn’t be hard for him to find a team. I wish him everything of the best in his future endeavors.”

When did that happen? Eric Tinkler – Former Chippa United head coach

“Well, the accusation that I said I have difficulties with the chairman regarding playing him is not true. When did that happen? When I arrived, he was not even registered because, apparently, he didn’t have pre-season with the team. He wasn’t even training with the team! He was the one who was having difficulties with the chairman. I met him in the hotel and I told him that he needs to sort out his problems with the chairman so that he can get back into the team, which he did. But he was not fit. I spoke to him about where he needs to improve, like the silly challenges and he needed to improve on the ball. Unfortunately, he got injured again after three weeks. So, yeah, he had a lot of issues with the club when I was there and he was not ready to play. I have nothing against James.”