Eymael refutes Phungwayo exit talk

Cape Town - Free State Stars head coach Luc Eymael says there is no truth to the rumour that Patrick Phungwayo is to be released.

The former Orlando Pirates and Bidvest Wits left-back was not part of the squad on the weekend when Stars lost 3-0 at home against Maritzburg United.

According to Soccer Laduma website, the coach and the 30-year-old player had 'an alleged altercation during one of the training sessions leading up to the match'.

A source was also quoted saying that "there was a misunderstanding between Phungwayo and the coach, which led to the player considering leaving the club. It's something that the club, coach and player are trying to resolve at the moment."

However, Eymael says there is no truth to the speculation.

"Why are you saying he is leaving? No! He had a private issue and there was a misunderstanding," he told the same publication.

Stars are in fourth position, six points behind league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns and are next in action when they play Ajax Cape Town away on Friday night.