Mokwena: You guys show disrespect towards Sundowns

by Staff Reporter

Sunday Dec 03, 2023. 11:12

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena slammed a journalist for being “disrespectful” in the post-match press conference after his side’s 1-0 defeat to TP Mazembe on Saturday.

Mokwena’s unbeaten record with the Brazilians in the CAF Champions League came to an end when Glody Likonza’s 60th-minute goal handed the Ravens a famous victory at the Stade TP Mazembe.

Masandawana struggled to play their fluid passing game on the artificial pitch in Lubumbashi, although they still created plenty of chances as Themba Zwane, Khuliso Mudau and Lucas Ribeiro were all denied by the woodwork.

Mokwena threatened to walk out of the press conference after he took exception to a question from a member of the DR Congo media for asking whether the African Football League Champions played to lose the game.

“We came here to lose the match?” a shocked Mokwena answered. “What do you mean we were not involved to score?

“Themba Zwane hit the crossbar in the first half, ‘Sailor’ Mudau hit the upright in the second half. I mean I don’t understand. You want to tell me we came here to lose the game?

“That’s very, very disrespectful, we don’t work hard and put so much hours to come and lose a football match. I find your question a little bit disrespectful.

“To be honest if that’s the spirit that this press conference will be in, we may as well end it. Because I come here with respect and humility to respect you guys and respect Mazembe, you guys show disrespect towards the football club.”

Sundowns’ next CAF Champions League match will be at home to Pyramids FC on Sunday 10 December.