Kaizer Chiefs striker Khanyisa Mayo and his teammate Pule Mmodi have revealed how they settled matters after the costly offside mistake that denied Amakhosi victory against AmaZulu FC in a Betway Premiership game.
Mayo unintentionally prevented Mmodi from scoring what could have been a winning goal during that Betway Premiership clash earlier this month at FNB Stadium in Soweto.
The CR Belouizdad striker, on loan at Amakhosi, played a goal-bound ball from Mmodi when he was clearly offside, and the former Golden Arrows winger was visibly upset about the mistake.
The duo has since spoken openly about the incident and how they handled the situation after the mistake. The two players addressed the media at the Kaizer Chiefs Village as the club prepares for its midweek league encounter against Siwelele FC at FNB Stadium on Wednesday.
HOW THE COSTLY OFFSIDE ERROR WAS DEALT WITH BY MAYO & MMODI
“During the game at halftime, we spoke about it, and I apologised. He said he said to me, ‘No, these things happen’. It’s football. It was a lapse of concentration. I wasn’t aware of my surroundings. And it happened, and we moved on,” explained Mayo.
“We spoke about it even after the game. I gave him a call, and we spoke about it. He said, ‘No, don’t worry, these things happen. It’s done. Let’s focus on what is next.”
Mmodi chipped in: “This is football. And it’s been a long time knowing Mayo. He’s a striker who likes to score goals, and I didn’t take that personally… Everyone makes mistakes. No one is perfect. So life goes on because the next day I’m gonna need him.”
Meanwhile, Mmodi has clarified the role he has been assigned since coach Nasreddine Nabi took over. Nabi recently departed from the club after 15 months in charge.
“Since Coach Nabi came here, and Coach Khalil [Ben Youssef], he said he wants wingers with so much energy to go up and down. For now, I can say I play as a wing, fullback or whatever. If we attack, I have to be a wing, and if we defend, I have to help the left back.
“But I think for me, it’s so many people who don’t understand the role that I play. Only football players or someone who has a football sense can clearly understand the position that I’m playing. And obviously I’m familiar with the position, as long as I always give my best because I’m a hard worker.”
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