AFCON2024: Mamelodi Sundowns Coach Manqoba Mngqithi Blasts Cameroon’s André Onana for Late Arrival
- Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Manqoba Mngqithi criticised Manchester United goalkeeper André Onana for arriving late at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)
- Social media users largely agreed with Mngqithi's sentiments
- Many cited similar instances of players prioritising club commitments over national duty
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has shared his thoughts on Cameroonian football star André Onana who arrived late at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Source: Getty Images
Mngqithi slams Onana for disrespecting the AFCON
Manchester United and Cameroon's goalkeeper André Onana has been making headlines following the reports that he was granted a special pass to arrive late at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d'Ivoire. The star played for United in their 2-2 draw against Tottenham on Sunday, before boarding a private plane to travel to the Ivory Coast.
Responding to the news, Mngqithi said Onana disrespected his country and teammates by putting his club first. Speaking in a video posted on X by Thabiso Mosia, the Sundowns coach said we can't accuse Europeans of disrespecting AFCON when our players don't respect the tournament. He said:
"Because if as a player you respect your country, you respect your teammates, you respect everything that has to do with your federation, it does even need to go to a point of asking your federation to give you a chance – that’s already for me a sign of disrespect of the rest of the group."
Sports Journalist weighs in on the debate
Speaking exclusively to Briefly News, Sports Journalist Blessing Malinganiza shared her thoughts on the debate about players being asked to prioritise their countries over clubs. The award-winning journalist feels there will always be conflicts between choosing one's country over the club. She said:
"I think there have been debates about the AFCON calendar and most people are saying it should fall under when other leagues are still active so that they avoid this conflict whereby a player has to leave his club and go play for their country.
"For instance, in competitive leagues like EPL, and Laliga, players actually have to earn their place. Imagine fighting for a place and you’re now in the first 11, you wouldn’t want anything to jeopardise that. On the other end, some believe the country should come first, you must be able to represent it whenever you’re called without any excuse. But I think there will forever be a conflict."
Mzansi reacts to Mngqithi's sentiments
Social media users seemed to share the same thoughts with Mangoba Mngqithi's thoughts. Many said the Mamelodi Sundowns head coach was spitting some facts.
@lhlatshwayo78 said:
"Agreed with your panel however we also have Lyle Foster disrespecting our country and AFCON. Son from Tottenham left UK as scheduled and is here in Qatar representing South Korea in Asian Cup."
@malusi_tsepo commented:
"Eto's, at the top of his game at Malloca/Barca/Inter ... will not only honor a national call up, but would also pay for flights for his fellow countrymen... give custom made Puma watches, just for vibes. The there's Onana"
@MotsGR wrote:
"When are they going to discuss Lyle Foster????? Or every other SA international that has refused to play AFCON? Salah and Mane are bigger stars, and always represent their countries without any issues."
@SamsonXulu noted:
"Andre Onana's struggles at @ManUtd might be rooted in arrogance, disrespecting national team call-ups. European players typically avoid such behavior. Professionalism and commitment to both club and country are non-negotiable @FecafootOfficie #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023."
Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Richard Ofori defends himself after Ghana loss
Briefly News previously reported that Richard Ofori has spoken about Ghana's defeat at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Sunday, 14 January.
Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Richard Ofori has reacted to the Black Stars' loss against Cape Verde after the AFCON match. Ghana lost the match 1-2 and even failed to secure a point.
Source: Briefly News
