Kickoff (Cape Town)
21 November 2008
Even though Mamelodi Sundowns continue to down play the issue of disciplinary problems in their camp, KickOff.com has learnt that midfielder Benedict Vilakazi and striker Collins Mbesuma have missed several training sessions at Chloorkop.
Sources at Sundowns revealed that both players have not been at training this week and are not part of the team's trip to the Free State this weekend where they face Ea Lla Koto in an Absa Premiership game set for Charles Mopeli Stadium tomorrow.
The source told KickOff.com that Mbesuma had a meeting with new coach Henri Michel last week and the Frenchman told the Zambian hitman that he didn't stand a chance of playing for the Brazilians until he worked on his physical fitness.
"This is also not the first time that Vilakazi has missed training. He did it last month but was still included in the squad that played at Super Stadium. Both Tso and Mbesuma have not been at training this week."
"Mbesuma could be frustrated after what the coach told him last week. But it is surprising because both Trott Moloto and Ted Dumitru have been singing praises about his fitness level at training and during games."
Sundowns' communication manager Mahlatse Mphahlele has confirmed that both Vilakazi and Mbesuma, among the two highest paid players at Sundowns, have been absent from training, but added there were 'good' excuses.
"Vilakazi has been sick the whole week and therefore has not been attending training this week.
"Mbesuma was on national duty with Zambian national team, but I am not sure if he did attend training this morning.
Mphahlele was unable to disclose the nature of Vilakazi's illness.
The Brazilians were also in the spotlight this week when club PRO Sammy Mashabane blasted club officials in a radio sports show, saying that they were 'incompetent'.
Mashabane described management at Chloorkop as being in 'chaos' and, as a result, he felt sorry for club owner Patrice Motsepe.
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