Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Manqoba Mngqithi's comments on Themba Zwane's contract have been alleged to be influenced by someone from the top.
Zwane, whose contract expired at the end of June, was in lengthy discussions with the club regarding an extension and it came as a shock to supporters when Sundowns only handed him a one-year extension.
Asked for his view on the matter, during an MTN8 post-match press conference, Mngqithi said he believes "it's the right thing to do, to keep him on his toes".
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The Brazilians have been very strict of late with players a little bit above 30, having not renewed the contracts of both Bongani Zungu and Gaston Sirino in the off-season.
Following the departure of head coach Rulani Mokwena, there were revelations that his alleged fallout with Sporting Director Flemming Berg had more to do with the signing of Thembinkosi Lorch, who was insisted on to the club by the tactician.
After speaking to various stakeholders, it has been alleged that the practice of sidelining veterans at the club is influenced by Berg.
"Remember, they were reluctant to sign Lorch based on the fact that he's an older player, you see," a stakeholder in the game told KickOff anonymously.
"It's public knowledge the Sporting Director calls the shots [on player movements and contracts], so for a coach to secure his job, he has to follow what the Sporting Director is saying or doing.
"Of course, it's the hand of the Sporting Director that determined the length of Zwane's contract. It's becoming clear he's not a fan of players who are 30 years and above."
There were also allegations that the Sporting Director's office influenced the starting line-up in Sundowns' CAF Champions League semi-final against Esperance.
"We can also track back to the game in Tunisia, there was an alleged instruction to put Zwane on the bench from the director, because apparently he believed Zwane does no longer have the pace necessary and he felt he would not manage the tempo of that match," the expert on transfers added.
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"So, I think the length of Zwane's contract has to do with the Sporting Director, it was a determining factor.
"And for Manqoba not to be in the same shoes as Rulani, he needs to toe the line in terms of player acquisitions. He has to be on the safe side of the Sporting Director."