Al-Ahli head coach Pitso Mosimane has doubled down on his defence of former Sundowns and TS Galaxy player Sibusiso Vilakazi following comments from TS Galaxy head coach Sead Ramovic over the player's departure.
'Villa' and The Rockets shockingly parted ways after just eight months, reportedly due to a fallout between the 33-year-old midfielder and club coach Ramovic.
Speaking journalists on the matter. Ramovic was scathing in his assessment of the player. Suggestion that Vila was not training well enough to be part of the team.
[WATCH] We also asked about Sbu Vilakazi's early departure at @TSGALAXYFC , having learnt that he had also been demoted to train with the DDC before his exit at the club. HC Sead Ramovic...@SABC_Sport | #sabcsport411 pic.twitter.com/iC0qnyy5bA
— Velile Mnyandu ???? (@Velile_Mnyandu) February 10, 2023
READ | Pitso defends former player after shock exit
Mosimane, who signed Vilakazi to Mamleodi Sundowns in 2016 was quick to disagree with the Rockets' boss, particularly displeased with the German's 'tone' and backing Vilakazi's dedication and professionalism.
@Velile_Mnyandu I am dumbfounded by the tone of this interview.I trained @ValdezIsComin24 for many years competitively and consistently for +6 years, A true professional (on off ) who respects the game and Coaches. Knows sports science and game tactics,opinionated too.
— Pitso Mosimane (@TheRealPitso) February 11, 2023
Not to be out done, Ramovic issued a response to Mosimane's tweets, in a statement sent to the SABC.
"Mr Mosimane, I don't usually react when I see someone's emotions controlling them. But this time I'll make an exception for you. I hope you will like my tone this time," Ramovic wrote.
Vilakazi is a wonderful person. A really fantastic player, [who has had] a nice career. But we have just as many players who are trying very hard to start the same career and give everything
"I would really like Vilakazi to continue his career. Maybe he could continue in your team because you could certainly use his quality.
"I'm sure your chair [at Al Ahli Saudi] would like to have success this year and not care too much about your great achievements six years ago. I wish you to continue your fantastic record as a coach.
In true Mosimane fashion, the 58-year-old coach had a cheeky response of his own up his sleeve.
"Coach Ramovic, please sit down," responded Mosimane via Twitter.
"I was just protecting Sbu Vilakazi's career that is still left with few years to go. You have to make the [Premiership] top eight and match 'Dance' [former Galaxy coach Dan Malesela's] Nedbank Cup record.
"Let's focus and be responsible Pro Licence coaches."
@Velile_Mnyandu kanti le Ngamula injane Nkosi Yami? Coach Ramovic, please sit down. I was just protecting Sbu Vilakazi's career that is still left with few years to go. You have to make top 8 and match Dance Nedbank Cup record.Lets,focus be responsible Pro Licenced Coaches
— Pitso Mosimane (@TheRealPitso) February 14, 2023
Mosamine's Al Ahli are sitting at the top of the Saudi First Division League table with promotion in sight. Meanwhile Ramovic's TS Galaxy sealed a sport in the Last 16 of the Nedbank Cup after beating Amavaravara 2-0 on Sunday.
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