If you think the stuff that often goes on, on the pitch, such as a referee making a wrong call or the fans booing their own team’s player or a striker missing an open net in the dying minutes of the game, is dramatic or controversial or hard to believe, then wait until you hear about some of the things that happen behind the scenes at the different clubs. This is usually the kind of drama no one wants you to know about. It will leave your jaw on the floor. And thank God for platforms such as this page, where players, past and present, are given the free rein to let readers and football lovers in on these, whilst adding a touch of humour to their narration. The story that former striker Alois Bunjira shares this week, from his time at Mamelodi Sundowns, is one such example. How is it that a player’s relationship with a technical director, of all people, goes south not long after the latter’s appointment? Best you read on!
Heita, “Gazza”! It seems every time you make an appearance in Soccer Laduma, you set these pages on fire, and we know the story you are about to share this week is a cracker. Eventually we’ll learn about how you left Mamelodi Sundowns. Take it away.
So, it was towards the end of the season at Sundowns. On that particular week, we were off to play against Cameroonian club Coton Sport of Garoua, in the final knockout round of the CAF Champions League, before the group stages. The match was taking place in the city of Garoua. I had mildly pulled my hamstring in the previous match and the doctor told me to take it easy at training. That Tuesday at training, we were introduced to Argentinian coach Oscar Fullone as our technical advisor for the trip to Cameroon, to assist caretaker coach Roger Feutmba. After training, the team that was traveling to Cameroon was announced. We had only about 16 registered players available as we had so many injuries. My name was on the list of the players who were traveling. I went to the team manager Peter Koutroulis, afterwards, and pleaded that I be dropped from the travelling party because my hamstring was still sore and not yet healed. He made consultations with the coaches and the technical director. They all refused to drop me saying we wouldn’t travel with very few players, and besides, there was a possibility that I would have healed by the time we played on the Sunday. Reluctantly, I agreed to travel.
