After a tackle that left him fearing for his career, Marumo Gallants
defender Siyabonga Nhlapo has spoken out, while also praising the fearless
tactics of his young coach, Alexandre Lafitte.
The incident occurred during the Carling Knockout last 16, when Mamelodi
Sundowns’ new signing, Miguel Reisinho, was shown a straight red card for a
late challenge on Nhlapo just six minutes after coming on as a substitute.
Reflecting on the tackle, the 36-year-old Nhlapo admitted his initial worry.
“Yes, I did worry (that it could have been a career-ending tackle). I didn’t
see the tackle until I saw it on TV a day or two later. It still gives you
that feeling of worrying,” Nhlapo told PSLSA. He believes Reisinho’s intent
was key to him escaping serious injury. “He was going for the ball, he
wasn’t kicking. He lost control… He was not using excessive force. I think
that’s how I survived the tackle. Maybe it’s a sign that my career is not
done.”
That match saw Gallants knock Sundowns out on penalties, a victory that set
them on a path to the final under their 28-year-old French coach. Nhlapo was
full of praise for Lafitte’s bold approach, which he credits for their
success against the league’s giants.
“For the first time in my career, I heard a coach saying ‘they play like
this and this is how we are going to mark them’,” Nhlapo explained,
contrasting Lafitte with previous coaches who treated Sundowns “like it’s
Real Madrid.” He highlighted the coach’s daring game plan: “He said we need
to start the ball from the back against Sundowns. Imagine? Which other team
presses Sundowns? We were like a heat rash on them. That’s why we frustrated
them.”
With Reisinho having now served his two-match suspension and available for
Sundowns’ next domestic fixture, Nhlapo and Gallants are looking ahead. They
now have the chance to cap their impressive cup run with silverware when
they face Orlando Pirates in the Carling Knockout final next month, offering
Nhlapo a potential second major trophy to add to the Premiership title he
won with Bidvest Wits in 2016/17.
