Mokwena distances himself from player exodus at Chippa
Chippa United coach Rulani Mokwena has explained that he didn’t have anything to do with the players who departed and those who were rumoured to be heading for the exit at the Chilli Boys.
Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Rulani Mokwena explains why some players are not available for selection. Picture: BackpagePix.
There were rumours that Mokwena, who joined Chippa from Orlando Pirates last month, was getting rid of the dead wood at the Chilli Boys.
READ: Chippa set to hand Mokwena long term deal
This was because shortly after his arrival, Chippa parted ways with the likes of Patrick Tignyemb, Kurt Lentjies and Andile Mbenyane.
There are also rumours that Thabo Rakhale, Lehlohonolo Maselesa and Diamond Thopola are leaving the Port Elizabeth-based side.
Mokwena, however, has distanced himself from the player exodus at Chippa.
“I arrived and there were already several disciplinary cases at the club and those were still pending because the resignation of the coach (Norman Mapeza) was unexpected. You can even go back and find them on your archives (the disciplinary records),” Mokwena told IOL Sport.
“Kurt Lentjies, Andile Mbenyane and Tignyemb were already touted as being on their way out,” he added.
“They had a lot of disciplinary cases. I just came onto the boat and tried to stabilise things, and tried to speak to the club with regards to these players who were facing disciplinary actions.
“We are also trying to see if we can keep Thabo Rakhale at the club. He is still here. Everyone knows that his contract comes to an end in June,” he added.
READ: Rakhale rejects new Chippa deal amid interest from Chiefs
“There’s no decision that I’ve made. I can’t make those kind of decisions (of deeming players surplus to requirements) because my contract also comes to an end at the end of the season,” Mokwena explained.
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