Revenge for Parker? Mokwena not happy with the tackle on Zungu

Revenge for Parker? Mokwena not happy with the tackle on Zungu

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has accused TS Galaxy coach Saed Ramovic of trying to avenge Benard Parker’s injury.

The 37-year-old TS Galaxy striker sustained a career-threatening injury against Mamelodi Sundowns in October 2023. He was stretched off the field following a dangerous tackle by Bongani Zungu.

Downs and Galaxy met for the first time since that match on Monday with the Brazilans claiming a 3-0 win. The match however produced a late drama when Orebotse Mongae was given a red card for a tackle on Zungu.

After the match, Mokwena accused the coach and players of trying to avenge Parker.

“I am disappointed with the tackle on Bongani Zungu, very disappointed,” Mokwena told the media.

“Because I was told already last night that the coach on the opposition showed that tackle that Bongani Zungu did on Bernard Parker and said ‘Don’t forget what Bongani Zungu did’.

Mokwena says TS Galaxy planned to avenge Parker

“I’m very disappointed because these things happen. And I can say again to you that Bongani Zungu’s tackle can happen in any other game, anywhere I’ve seen worse tackles.”

“We have even got Nasir out injured, but we’ve forgiven and moved on because it’s a contact sport, but we go and intentionally injure players and we send out these things, it’s a bit disappointing from a professional level, but anyway, we do the talking on the pitch.”

Mokwena defended Zungu last year following his dangerous tackle on Parker. He said the former Bafana Bafana midfielder would never purposefully injure an opponent.

Ramovic and Mokwena clash again after another tense match

Galaxy coach Ramovic played down revenge talk. Despite him and Mokwena not seeing eye to eye, Ramovic said his players were inspired by Parker.

“I think the best thing is that he should watch [the incident] again on TV, maybe I’m wrong, it is not what he thought but… if Mokwena wants to advertise his ignorance all the time, you don’t have to do anything, just let him talk.”

We saw what a great inspiration Parker is, unbelievable, fantastic attitude to come back from a horrible injury, to get back at the game is just an inspiration to every player, for every person who has this kind of injury,” the Galaxy coach said.

Despite last year’s drama, both Mokwena and Zungu reached out to Parker. The striker has since returned to the field of play.