MAMELODI SUNDOWNS SUSPENDS MASHABA
MAMELODI Sundowns defender Mzikayise Mashaba has been suspended after he substituted himself at half time in a crucial Absa Premiership match for the Tshwane club against Baroka FC during the title run last season.
Sources at Sundowns have revealed that the leftback was receiving a pep-talk from his teammates at a half-time team talk‚ but became irritated‚ removed his jersey and declined to return for the second half.
Mashaba was replaced by Fares Hachi when the PSL match resumed after the break.
There are also allegations that the technical team have had enough of his “unprofessional antics”.
Sundowns spokesman Thulani Thuswa confirmed there was an incident with Mashaba in the Baroka game‚ a 2-2 draw on May 10, that was crucial in Sundowns conceding their league title to Bidvest Wits‚ which led to his suspension.
“We can confirm his suspension, but he remains a Sundowns player‚” Thuswa said.
Since that incident against Baroka‚ Mashaba has been dropped from the team and barred from taking part in team activities.
It remains to be seen if the defender-midfielder will be part of the team next season.
Mashaba’s business manager, Tim Sukazi, is aware of the incident involving his client, but said it happened in the heat of the moment.
“I do not believe that incident had sparked the trouble. In my opinion‚ it is one of those internal matters that has been dealt with as such.”
In the game against Baroka – at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville, Tshwane – Sundowns conceded an injury-time penalty that was converted by Richard Matloga – and dropped two precious points at home in the Brazilians’ third-last match of the season.
On the same night‚ leaders Wits lost 3-1 against the Free State Stars, in Bethlehem.
Victory could have given Sundowns the lead – and a huge advantage in the PSL title run-in.