Highlands Park coach Owen Da Gama has condemned the booing of his defender Marks Munyai in Thohoyandou this past weekend.Munyai was playing in his hometown for the first time since his move in June when he was jeered by some Leopards fans. The coach knows booing is part of the game. However, he believes it is not right, especially when directed at a player that has helped a club.
The Lions of the North are at home to AmaZulu FC in the Absa Premiership in Makhulong on Tuesday night (kick-off at 19:30) which will be followed by an MTN 8 first leg semi-final against Polokwane City at the weekend.
The side was without five of their key players owing to injuries and bereavement respectively in the 1-1 draw against Lidoda Duvha.
Da Gama says he learnt from English side Liverpool to not worry about injuries also urging his players to raise their hand when given an opportunity.
Translation {They are our children, I am also from here so you cannot boo our own children, you cannot. Imagine if Musonda goes to Chiefs, will they do that to him after helping this club? Marks Munyai helped this club for seven years and he was even captain. To boo him is embarrassing. I’m always talking about how good fans are in Venda but that was embarrassing. I learned from Jurgen Klopp when Liverpool was playing in the Champions League (UEFA) semi-final, they were missing Sadio Mane, the Brazilian striker, there was no Salah. He did not make noise, he just played and won. This shows that all these people that talk about injuries before a game do not know their job. I say these replacements should take this opportunity with both hands by proving why they were signed by the club. Uh that happens in football but it is not the boy’s fault. If a player gets an opportunity somewhere where he will get a better contract, why do that to our own people.}
@HighlandsP_FC would like to send its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the legendary football journalist and presenter, David Kekana. #RIPDavidKekana pic.twitter.com/Gkg2gxqj7m
— Highlands Park FC (@HighlandsP_FC) August 26, 2019
