A furious Rulani Mokwena accused counterpart Sead Ramovic of instructing his TS Galaxy players to target Mamelodi Sundowns' Bongani Zungu in an act of revenge after the midfielder's horror tackle on Bernard Parker.
To compound matters, Zungu had initially refused to accept his marching orders and refused to apologise for his tackle.
The double-leg fracture had left Parker on the sidelines for six months as he eventually made his return to action coincidentally against the Brazilians on Monday night.
Attacker Orebotse Mongae received a straight red after his challenge from behind on Zungu, who was then forced to limp off the pitch after being introduced as a substitute in the 76th minute.
A livid Mokwena in his post-match interview accused TS Galaxy of seeking revenge for the previous incident involving Zungu.
“I’m disappointed with the tackle on Bongani Zungu,” Rulani told SuperSport TV post-match.
“I’m very disappointed because I was told already last night, that the coach of the opposition showed the tackle that Bongani Zungu made on Bernard Parker to his players and said don’t forget what Bongani Zungu did.
“I am very disappointed, as these things happen and I can say again for a fact that Zungu’s tackle can happen in any other game, anywhere as I’ve seen worse tackles.
“We’ve got even Nassir (Abubeker Nassir) out injured, but we’ve forgiven and we’ve moved on.
“Because it’s a contact sport, but when we go and intentionally try to injure players and we send out these sorts of things, it’s a bit disappointing at a professional level.
“Anyway we do the talking on the pitch, and the players said to me ‘Coach, we’ve seen what has been going on in the media, don’t worry we’ll sort it out on the pitch’.
“I’m very proud of them and I want to thank them also.”
POST-MATCH
— Rushsportson (@Rushsportson2) April 29, 2024
Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena:I'm disappointed with TS Galaxy's tackle on Bongani Zungu & I was told that the coach showed his players Zungu's tackle on Bernard Parker & said don't forget what Zungu did.#Sundowns Ronwen Williams Themba Zwane Shalulile Rulani Saleng pic.twitter.com/Zve25S6H96
Speaking after the final whistle, Ramovic refused to continue the very public war of words with Mokwena that had threatened to spill over.
“I learned that I will no longer comment on anything that he says, because like I said before the game and perhaps two months ago, if a guy wants to advertise his ignorance all you have to do is remain quiet and let them continue to talk.
“I don’t want to comment on anything that he says, I will take care of my team where we have a lot to improve, and we will and that’s it.”
TS Galaxy coach Sead Ramovic on what Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena said about Bongani Zungu's injury
— Rushsportson (@Rushsportson2) April 29, 2024
I'm not going to entertain him.Let Rhulani advertise his ignorance#Sundowns #Amakhosi4Life #OrlandoPirates Themba Zwane Ronwen Williams Maswanganyi Peter Shalulile Saleng https://t.co/wcsL76MR0R pic.twitter.com/GbLX3Z2HOn
𝐑𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐢: 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐪𝐨𝐛𝐚 𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐄𝐃 𝐌𝐞 𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐓𝐨 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐧 𝐙𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐮
— Karabo Selebalo Phasha (@TheeSportsGuy01) April 30, 2024
Sundowns Head Coach Rulani Mokwena tells me he was warned NOT to bring on Bongani Zungu. Zungu suffered a deep wound. #Zungu #Rhulani #Sundowns #TSGalaxy pic.twitter.com/3ZgU1P8SYs
