Why Dan Malesela felt insulted by the AmaTuks technical team

Baroka FC coach Dan Malesela says he felt insulted by the University of Pretoria bench whom he says were insinuating that he relies on referees’ favours.

The two teams played to an entertaining 1-1 draw in a Motsepe Foundation Championship clash at Global Stadium, Lebowakgomo on Sunday.

AmaTuks were the first to draw blood through an own goal by Lehlohonolo Nonyane while the home side found their equaliser also via an own goal by Khomotso Marebane.

The draw sees Baroka back at position two while AmaTuks are fourth both on 24 points. Both clubs are in a good position to fight for a return to the DStv Premiership with 15 matches played so far. 

But the Baroka coach was left unimpressed with what he said were comments from the visitors’ bench which he felt insulted.

WHY WAS BAROKA FC COACH INSULTED BY AMATUKS BENCH BEHAVIOUR

“Just one thing that really disturbed me today, I like it when young guys are coming and all that. But I do not appreciate it when you are indicating that the referee is doing us favours,” said Malesela.

“Then you are underestimating my potential as well because it’s an insult to me. When you say me and the team rely on the referee giving us a penalty or free kicks. If it’s a free kick it’s a free kick, let life go on because you are making fouls and you know, so admit it.

“But don’t insult people, that’s what I don’t like. I like it when I see a young man coming up. But with the things that we teach, we have kids on the bench. The things that we teach these kids must be right,” he said.

DAN MALESELA URGES COACHES TO LEAD BY EXAMPLE

“Let us not get excited and get carried away because of a match and forget that we are educators. If I am a coach I am an educator and I must teach these kids the right things. I am the first one when my bench is standing up to scream about something that I do not see anything wrong. I am the first one to say sit down and shut up.

“It’s really upsetting because undermining people is something else. Do not say the referee wants to give me a penalty, if it’s a foul it’s a foul. We complain to the referee but don’t change the whole tune as if we did something so that the referee can do something. It’s not right.”

RELATED STORY: Keletso Makgalwa fires Upington to impressive win as Orbit drop points