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Cape Town - Free State Stars 'keeper Daouda Diakite says he has spoken to Mamelodi Sundowns winger Khama Billiat after their bone-crunching collision last weekend.
Sundowns went on to win the game 3-1, with Billiat scoring the first goal via a brave header.
However, the Zimbabwean winger never even got to see the ball hitting the back of the net after he was knocked out cold by Diakite, who had been trying to intercept Keagan Dolly's through-ball on the edge of his box.
According to the Stars website, Diakite called Billiat on the phone to offer his apology for the challenge, which ended the Downs player's evening as he was taken off to the hospital after being unconscious for five minutes.
"There was no malicious intent, just an accidental collision between two committed professionals as they challenged for the ball," said Diakite.
"Billiat was fractionally quicker to the ball. I called Khama just to find out how he was doing after the weekend incident and he told me he is out of hospital and that he was fine.
"I have apologised to Khama for the incident. It was not intentional. Unfortunately incidents like that are commonplace in football.
"It's never a nice thing when a fellow professional is injured, whether a team-mate or not. It's even worse when you feel partially responsible for ending their participation.
"I hope Khama returns to action soon and wish him the best of luck."
