Following the mysterious absence of Patrick Maswanganyi and Monnapule Saleng, former Orlando Pirates winger Lebohang Mokoena has condemned the players and coach Jose Riveiro.
Maswanganyi missing important CAF Champions League group matches against Al Ahly and Stade d'Abidjan has raised eyebrows and more suspensions, especially after Riveiro could not give a proper explanation in his post-match press conference.
The Spanish coach could only go as far as saying 'Tito' was not available for selection and that it's a health issue he does not want to talk about, although the former SuperSport United midfielder was at the stadium against The Red Devils.
Saleng, after standing out against the Egyptian giants, also missed the game against Stade d'Abidjan, after he also was not in the squad against CR Belouizdad.
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Mokoena has suggested that the two players could have been excluded for disciplinary reasons and condemned their behaviour for not putting the team first in such a crucial stage of the CAF Champions League, if it was improper behaviour.
"I'll talk about Tito and Saleng, they know they are key to the team, so whatever issue or reason that may affect them, they should just put it aside, think about that badge!" Mokoena said on SoccerBeat YouTube Channel.
"And say you know what, I'm here to make history at this club but these boys... one back page, one interview, now I come late, I'm sleeping late. Now, I answer the coach back, because the coach has always protected the players.
"Internally as a coach, he would probably hammer some of the players. I think coach Riveiro must just step it up a bit, especially on the players he knows he needs. We don't have senior guys who can call players in, (and say) 'You're disrupting the team!' That's why you find performances like this, the team struggling to score," Mokoena added.
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The Soweto giants will be back in action on Christmas Eve when they host Marumo Gallants in the Betway Premiership.
Maswanganyi will miss the game against Gallants due to suspension following an accumulation of yellow cards.
