Golden Arrows co-coach Vusumuzi Vilakazi has opened up on Pule Mmodi’s transfer to Kaizer Chiefs, which has made headlines because his former agent is upset with the player.
Mmodi, 30, was said to be headed to Naturena at the beginning of last season but the deal fell through, with reports claiming Chiefs couldn’t meet Arrows’ asking fee for the player.
The midfielder, though, has now finally joined Amakhosi on a three year deal, however there is a lingering battle between him and his former agent Solomon Seobe, who accuses the player of breaking of contract, while completing the move to Soweto.
Vilakazi told the media at the launch of the 2023/24 DStv Premiership season that even though the situation of his collapsed move ahead of last campaign did have an effect on the player he continued to give his best for the club.
“Obviously when all these things started I think it was six, seven months before the end of the season, he was affected mentally of which I cannot falter him for that,” Vilakazi told the media.
“I mean in football, players always get excited when they know that somebody wants me when you think maybe the grass is greener on the other side.
“So it was normal of him but I must also say that he was brave enough, he was strong mentally because when you look at Pule in that six months, he still played his part in the team he still contributed immensely in our set-up.
“So that’s why we are saying we don’t have a beef for Pule’s loss because he was professional enough.”
Vilakazi also confirmed that he’s still in contact with Mmodi, who thanked the club for their farewell message, proving it wasn’t a break-up on a bad note.
“And obviously I am still talking to him. We were talking just now, he was just saying to me ‘thank you coach for the statement that you made’ because obviously when players are leaving they will think that the club is angry and stuff like that,” he added.
“We had an interview with the Chairlady also, we were talking one and the same language of appreciating Pule’s contribution at the club and we wish him all the best.
“We know that he will be very fruitful at Kaizer Chiefs. He will do wonders for them.”
Arrows open their 2023/24 campaign against Moroka Swallows at home on 5 August, while Chiefs will host Chippa United at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 6 August.
