Bidvest Wits have lashed out at Mamelodi Sundowns head coach, Pitso Mosimane, following comments from him on Sibusiso Vilakazi's future.
Speaking to the media recently, Mosimane stated that 'Downs were unsuccessful in their attempts to land the Bafana Bafana international, but that they would be trying again in January.
Mosimane also stated that the player himself wanted to make the move to Chloorkop.
However, an angry statement from Wits has criticised the Brazilians' coach and his way of handling the matter.
The statement, in part, from the club's CEO, Jose Ferreira, goes as follows:
"We are appalled with the statement that 'S'bu wants to play for us and we want S'bu to play for us', and we are appalled at the arrogant presumption that our player was unhappy at Bidvest Wits and will, seemingly, only find happiness when he joins Mr Mosimane's club.
"We are proud of the fact that we have created a professional environment where players are treated with respect and feel welcome. We have never considered retrenching a Bidvest Wits player, let alone before he has ever kicked a ball for us in a competitive match. When it comes to players wanting to leave their club for other clubs, we suggest Mr. Mosimane concern himself with his own squad of players.
"We are appalled at the pitiable attempt at putting pressure on Bidvest Wits with this article, with a view to "forcing" our club into agreeing to the transfer of our player to Mamelodi Sundowns in January. Mind games are an art, best left to those who have mastered it. It has not worked nor will it ever work with Bidvest Wits.
"Sibusiso Vilakazi will leave Bidvest Wits for another club if and when both Bidvest Wits and the player are satisfied that it is in the best interests of both club and player, no matter who the interested club may be! No person outside Bidvest Wits will ever have a say, or the right to interfere, in the transfer of a Bidvest Wits player to another club.
"We have met with our player, and our assurances to him about his future, being private and not for public consumption, have undoubtedly left him satisfied that he needs not to fear for his career.
"Finally, and lest there is any doubt about our position: We will not tolerate any disrespect of our club, Bidvest Wits, it's management, technical staff and players, and anyone who feels that they can do so, will find that we will be resolute and uncompromising in taking the necessary steps to redress any such situation."
