Sundowns Coach Hits Back at Hugo Broos - Mngqithi Stands Ground over Mokoena

Broos said: “The only thing I can say is that I have to respect and accept the decision of the club, but I don’t have to agree.

“I can’t understand why players like Teboho [Mokoena], who were key players in their club last season and in the national team, are suddenly for one or another reason they are not on the bench anymore.”

After Mokoena scored a brace in the first meeting with the Republic of the Congo, Broos continues his comments, saying:

“I know today he was extra motivated to show to his coach at Sundowns that it was not right not to select him.

“This is what I like. Not words, not talking, just the performance. I think today proved why I can’t agree with why he’s not playing at Sundowns.”

Sundowns coach, Manqoba Mngqithi's agent Mike Makaab hit back at Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos for questioning his client's decision to drop star players Teboho Mokoena and Khuliso Mudau at club level.

Makaab said of his clients: “What I can tell you about Manqoba and I have been with him for 12 years. He is not a man who hold grudges, he is not a man who has favourites.

“Manqoba realises that he will be judged by one thing and one thing alone, his results. He has to put out the best players that he believes can deliver for him.

“I understand Broos needs his best players available but for his to make those utterances. I think is out order.”

The Mamelodi Sundowns coach also hit back at Broos, criticising his handling of veteran Themba Zwane, who suffered a ruptured Achilles last week. The coach also spoke up regarding criticism of his team selection at the Brazilians.

The Downs mentor said: “To see Themba Zwane playing 90 minutes and starting the second match, that already sent alarm bells. 

“I think we could have dealt with this better as the two coaches, and to be honest, I do not want to give him a call to talk to him directly.”

The coach then defended the decision to drop midfielder Teboho Mokoena completely for Sundowns’ last five fixtures: “He must manage his house and allow me manage my house.

“Because nobody tells me who plays in this team. I cannot be expected to be told by another coach who to play in my team.

“With the respect that I have for him, you’ll give me a call and we discuss this thing as coaches. No one is bigger than anyone else, we are both coaches.”