PSL
Mphela meets Motsepe
2011-02-16 12:50
Johannesburg - Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana striker Katlego Mphela took the first towards ending his four-week stay away by meeting club president Patrice Motsepe on Tuesday "in a private meeting to discuss his return to the club".
Motsepe had stated at the press conference two weeks ago that discipline and respect for the club and its rules were non-negotiable but that “if Katlego apologizes to Sundowns and appears before the disciplinary committee and commits himself to mending his relationship with the club and the Mamelodi Sundowns Family; then Sundowns would allow him back.”
This would appear to be a softening of their stance after Motsepe had previously stated that as far as he was concerned, Mphela was no longer part of Sundowns.
Mphela, according to a statement on the club’s website, had asked national team coach Pitso Mosimane to request a meeting with Motsepe on his behalf “because as President of Sundowns he always meets with players if their problems remain unresolved, after having followed the internal procedure at Sundowns”.
The Bafana striker, who sought to force the club to release him from his contract for an oversees move, is believed to have “apologised to the President, the Supporters, his teammates and the Mamelodi Sundowns Family and reported for training on Wednesday 16 February 2011.”
This will however not spare him the potential penalty as he is he expected to appear before the club’s disciplinary committee where his matter will be heard. Following his meeting with Motsepe, the player undertook to work hard and regain his form and fight for his place at Sundowns.
However, Motsepe re-stated his commitment to release Mphela at the end of the season should Sundowns “receives a fair and reasonable offer”.
“Football is a short career and we must all support Katlego to perform well for Sundowns and Bafana Bafana and also help him find a good and reputable Club in Europe,” said Motsepe.