Orlando Pirates assistant coach Rulani Mokwena Criticises Kaizer Chiefs Striker Leonardo Castro
Orlando Pirates' assistant coach, Rulani Mokwena has questioned Kaizer Chiefs striker, Leonardo Castro and his attitude when injured. The pair worked together at Mamelodi Sundowns, where the Colombian striker formed part of the fearsome CBD (Castro, Billiat, Dolly) combination. Read: Mabokgwane Talks Clean Sheets As Bucs' Four Keepers Eye Soweto Derby Start Mokwena was asked in the Soweto Derby pre-match press conference on Monday about the threat of Castro and he was scathing in his response: "It won't be too important in this match because Castro is injured unless there is a miraculous recovery. Knowing Castro from the time I spent with him at Sundowns, believe you me, when Castro says he is injured, he is injured. He will tell you as the coach 'I am injured'. "Castro will even go as far as booking a flight to Colombia to spend time with his wife when he is injured. So I wouldn't be surprised if Castro is not in the country." When told that the Chiefs forward was expected to resume training on the Monday ahead of the game, Mokwena didn't let up in questioning Castro's professionalism: "He starts training today? And he arrives when? He's in the country? Is the wife in the country? I know Castro very well; I know about the pressures he has to deal with on a day-to-day basis. To face a Castro who has been out of the last couple of months, is a big risk for Kaizer Chiefs, because of his condition. If they have him, good luck to them because he brings another dimension, he's got the synergy with Khama Billiat, and that obviously makes the attack a lot stronger, but I'll speak to you after the match about Castro." Orlando Pirates' media officer, Thandi Merafe had to put an end to the line of questioning as it took a turn for the worst, saying: "I don't like where this is going." Castro has been missing for Kaizer Chiefs since injuring his ankle in the 4-1 win away at Cape Town City on 15 September. The derby will be played exactly six weeks after that injury, and it remains to be seen whether Giovanni Solinas will risk his target man, or use one of Bernard Parker, Gustavo Paez or Ryan Moon as the strike partner for the talisman, Khama Billiat.
