Africa-Press – South-Africa. Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi criticised Kaizer Chiefs for a lack of patriotism in allowing Egyptian side Al-Ahly to use their changing room at the FNB Stadium.
Mngqithi said Chiefs’ collaboration with Pitso Mosimane’s side made their 1-0 CAF Champions League on Saturday win all the sweeter.
Al-Ahly trained at Kaizer Chiefs’ Naturena base in preparing for the game, but Chiefs’ generosity went a step further by allowing Al-Ahly to use their changing room for the game.
Mngqithi said during the bio-bubble where teams played at different venues, Chiefs’ home dressing room was inaccessible to the teams that played at the FNB Stadium, which made their decision to lend it to Al-Ahly a peculiar one.
As things stand, Sundowns and Chiefs will meet on 8 May in a game that could see Mngqithi’s side being crowned as league champions again.
However, that will hinge on the South African Football Association arbitration hearing that’ll take place this week with regards to Chiefs’ Covid-19 calamity at the end of last year that saw them unable to fulfill league matches.
“What makes it sweeter for me is beating a collaboration. During the bubble, you couldn’t use the Chiefs changing room when playing at the FNB Stadium,” Mngqithi said.
“Our countrymen couldn’t use the changing room, but it was open for Al-Ahly against us. For me, winning this match was sweeter because I felt Chiefs were being spiteful.
“They could have easily taken Al-Ahly to the other changing room that is far and has a ramp. It’s our home game, but only in name as they used Chiefs’ changing room.
“That was spiteful because we nearly had the same scenario last season, but we don’t talk about these things because we’re experienced and patriotic.”
Mngqithi said when Moroccan club Wydad Casablanca requested to prepare at Sundowns’ Chloorkop base, they refused because they put the country first.
Mngqithi said Chiefs’ lack of patriotism was concerning, but said they’ll learn more about it the more they take part in the Champions League.
“Wydad wanted to train at our facility when they were going to play Chiefs last year and we refused their request,” Mngqithi said.
“That would have meant that we’re forming an alliance with outside people. The win is also a good lesson on patriotism.
“When we compete at this stage, we’re not just playing for Sundowns, but we’re also representing the country.
“We’re not saying we must create enemies, but we must have a little bit more patriotism. Al-Ahly were representing Egypt and if the conditions are made easier by our compatriots, it’s an issue. ”
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