Rulani Mokwena questions tackle on Bongani Zungu, cites Parker incident

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has questioned the tackle on Bongani Zungu citing TS Galaxy coach Sead Ramovic showed his players the leg-breaking tackle Zungu did on Bernard Parker in October 2023.

Zungu had to be withdrawn just a few minutes after being introduced as a substitute in Sundowns’ 3-0 DStv Premiership win over the Rockets on Thursday. This was after a crude tackle by Orebotse Mongae, which saw the Galaxy winger receive a red card.

In his post-match interview, Mokwena said he believed it was retaliation for Parker’s incident that occurred during the Carling Knockout Cup on 18 October 2023.

The tackle stirred mixed emotions among football fans, with some strongly criticising Zungu, believing he showed no remorse for his actions. Parker himself, also came out to admit that there was ill intent in Zungu’s tackle on that day. 

RULANI MOKWENA ON BONGANI ZUNGU’S DANGEROUS TACKLE

In a post-match interview, a disappointed Mokwena alleged that the tackle was planned before the game, citing that Ramovic told his players – “don’t forget what Bongani Zungu did.”

“I’m disappointed with the tackle on Bongani Zungu, very disappointed. I was told last night that the coach of the opposition showed that tackle that Bongani Zungu did on Bernard Parker. He said ‘Don’t forget what Bongani Zungu did’.” said Mokwena in a post-match interview with SuperSport TV.

“I’m very disappointed because these things happen. I can say to you that I know for a fact that Zungu’s tackle can happen in any other game and anywhere.

“I have seen worse tackles. We even have Abubeker Nassir out still injured but have forgotten and moved on because it’s a contact sport. But now we go out to intentionally injure players and send out these things. It’s a bit disappointing from a professional level.”

Meanwhile, it was Peter Shalulile’s brace and a goal from Thembinkosi Lorch that handed Masandawana a win. The result leaves them just one game away from clinching the DStv Premiership title. As things stand, Sundowns are on the summit of the log standings with 59 points from 23 outings.

The Chloorkop-based outfit are yet to lose a game in the DStv Premiership this season. Bafana Ba Style are the first PSL team to go unbeaten in 23 games of the league this campaign.

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