AmaZulu FC head coach Ayanda Dlamini has hit back at claims that there’s a drinking culture at Usuthu.
This past week, the KZN-based side was slammed by their former communications manager Phumlani Dube who aimed at clearing his name after he was reportedly sacked for having allegedly assaulted a female colleague.
During his press conference, he claimed that he witnessed alcohol abuse during his time at the club.
However, after the DStv Premiership match between Sekhukhune United and Usuthu on Saturday, Dlamini jumped to the defence of his players, insisting that they are responsible adults.
He stated that Dube should have addressed the issue in a respectful manner rather than taking a jab at the club.
AYANDA DLAMINI DEFENDS AMAZULU PLAYERS
“My question is why this is being said by someone who was here?” Dlamini asked.
“Now that he’s left, he is speaking ill of AmaZulu. But when he was still here, why he didn’t say I’m leaving because you have this problem.
“They’re saying this just because they are no longer part of the team. I can tell you now, it’s just people who are bitter.
“It comes from me not from the team, it’s not coming from the president it’s not coming from anyone, these people that are saying these are very bitter.
“And if you watched the game today, are you seeing players that play as if they’re drunk? No serious, they’re not kids, they have their own lives.
“But they’re very responsible, a person who was drunk yesterday wouldn’t play like that. I can tell you, they wouldn’t run like that if they were drunk the day before or this week.
“So, whoever says that is saying it in their personal capacity. I think it’s very disrespectful for the team, it’s disappointing.
“Guys in life, if you win, dance and celebrate and do everything but if you lose, accept the loss. Go back and work and try to improve, don’t point fingers.
‘THIS CAN DESTORY THEIR CAREERS’
Dlamini went on to say alcohol abuse stigma on AmaZulu could hurt the careers of his players, particularly the youngsters.
He said he felt it was important to speak for them as they can’t defend themselves.
“Right now, I am the coach of AmaZulu, so if these things are being said, I have to protect my players because I need them,” he continued.
“I have to speak for them because sometimes they can’t speak for themselves.
“These things that are being said can destroy their careers. Some people might look and say, ‘I will never hire a player from AmaZulu again.’
“There are still youngsters here at AmaZulu that need the future, that need to go somewhere, overseas and national team. If people are saying that, what does it do to their image.
“If you have a problem with the team, you have to address it in a way that is respectful. But if you go out and say people at AmaZulu are drunkards then maybe we were drinking with you when you were still here.”
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