Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has expressed his displeasure on the date for the final of the Carling Knockout Cup.
Sundowns confirmed their place in the CKO final on Sunday afternoon after dumping out Marumo Gallants 2-0 at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium. They will face Magesi in the final on the 23rd of November, three days after the FIFA International break.
With Sundowns having 10 players that will be participating in the AFCON qualifiers, Mngqithi suggested that the final should’ve at least been played on the other date. The date and the venue for the final was announced during the semi-final draw.
“Eight for me is an understatement because we also losing Peter Shalulile to Namibia, and we also have Divine Lunga for Zimbabwe,” Mngqithi told the media.
Join the iDiski Times WhatsApp Channel for all latest SA football news directly to your phone.
“I don’t think the area where the final is put is fair to anyone, not immediately after the FIFA break but sometimes you must accept whatever comes.
“Because I think where we are playing Sekhukhune United, we could’ve played the final there and it would’ve been better.
“Maybe we would still have a league match on that weekend but not immediately after the FIFA break when we’ve got so many players that are in the national team but what can you do?
“We have to do what we have to do and we must accept baddings and blessings always go together.
“So, sometimes you will blame the league for putting the final there but what if they put it without the knowledge that we might be in the final? I don’t think there is much we can do.”
