I have no reason to dislike any of my players: Leopards’ coach

Black Leopards head coach Luc Eymael says he does not like to comment on off-the-pitch issues. This was in relation to reports suggesting that there is conflict between the coach and some players like Lifa Hlongwane and Karabo Tshepe.

It is alleged that Hlongwane, who has not featured for Leopards in the last two matches, says the coach does not like him.

Eymael says he treats all his players like his sons and has no reason to dislike any of them.

He says Tshepe is available for selection this weekend while he will wait for the green light from his medical team on Hlongwane.

The coach adds that it is important for his side to get a win in their backyard in their last home match of the year.

Leopards collected six points in their last two home matches and they sit in 9th position on the Absa premiership log with 15 points from 12 matches.

Leopards host 15^th placed AmaZulu in the league on Saturday afternoon (15:30) in Thohoyandou.

Eymael says AmaZulu will not be easy looking at their position on the log.

The Belgian mentor had aimed for 18 points before the Christmas break, and now they are just three points from that target with two matches still to play in 2019.

Eymael admits that he is concerned that they have not kept one clean sheet in six league outings.

“How is it possible that I do not appreciate the player when I’ve been here for some weeks” @lidodaduvha coach @EymaelLuc on Lefa Hlongwane suggesting that the coach does not like him in the media. @SPORTATSABC #SabcNews pic.twitter.com/nqZhB11OJP

— Rakgadi’a bana (@ngwanamogoto) December 4, 2019

– Report by Lethabo Kganyago