Yannick Zakri goes AWOL

Yannick Zakri of Maritzburg United

Monday Jan 07, 2019. 13:15

Maritzburg United head coach Muhsin Ertugral has confirmed that forward Yannick Zakri has gone AWOL and is yet to return to the club following the festive season break.

The 27-year-old has struggled with off-field problems throughout his time in South Africa, having had his run-ins with management at both Mamelodi Sundowns and Ajax Cape Town where he worked under Ertugral.

"I'm hoping Zakri will come to his senses and save his career. He's a good player, just needs to obey the rules of the club," Ertugral said as quoted by KickOff.com.

"There's no communication with him, [we] spoke to his manager but no luck."

Ertugral further hinted that Zakri's absence could spell the end of his time in Pietermaritzburg, having only joined the club at the start of the current campaign.

"We wish him all the best on his career. We are hoping whoever will take him will be able to save him. Football is [a] tough sport, [your] career can end in a split second."

Zakri has played 13 games for the club across all competitions this season, finding the back of the net on one single occasion.