After Mamelodi Sundowns showed commitment and hunger under Miguel Cardoso, it has been alleged the players sabotaged Manqoba Mngqithi.
Sundowns finally found their first victory in the CAF Champions League group stages after a narrow 1-0 win over Raja Casablanca on Sunday at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
The Brazilians, in new coach Cardoso's first game in charge, after he replaced Mngqithi, were a different side, with the players showing more unity and fighting spirit compared to their last few matches.
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After a fallout between the former Golden Arrows coach and some players at Sundowns, including Teboho Mokoena and Khuliso Mudau, former Orlando Pirates and Moroka Swallows midfielder Steve Sekano has suggested that player-power was the reason Masandawana were not getting results under the KwaZulu-Natal native coach.
"This is Sundowns that we know, the approach was the best. They created so many chances, they were all over Raja and they controlled game from the first whistle, because they wanted to win by hook or by crook," Sekano said on Radio 2000's Game On.
"The hunger, they could share the ball among each other and the confidence as well. Players did not respect Manqoba, I think there were issues, other players not happy with the coach, that's why players were not performing at their best.
"Because, once one or two players are not happy, they influence others. As a coach you start having problems, even if you think (you have control) but players will always be players, they will make sure you don't get the results that you want, that's why Sundowns struggled so much," Sekano added.
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Sundowns will return to Betway Premiership action when they visit bogey side Stellenbosch on Wednesday evening at Cape Town Stadium.
Cardoso has inherited a side that is top of the table by virtue of a superior goal difference over second-placed Orlando Pirates.