Micho slams former side Orlando Pirates for injustice over foreign players amid Shonga and Mulenga treatment
Milutin Sredojevic has slammed Orlando Pirates over the ‘unbelievable injustice’ to foreign players since he left the club.
The Zambia head coach has called out his former club for their management of Chipolopolo duo Justin Shonga and Augustine Mulenga who formed an integral part of his squad during his time with the Soweto giants.
His criticism also stemmed from Pirates allowing Thembinkosi Lorch back into the squad swiftly after his initial suspension for breaking COVID-19 lockdown regulations – while Shonga remains sidelined.
“[Orlando Pirates] can confirm that Justin Shonga remains suspended as he awaits the finalization of the disciplinary proceedings against him,” read part of the club statement which confirmed Lorch’s return.
While Micho suggested that foreign players should shoulder most of the blame when they are out of favour, he also suggested that since his exit there’s been clear favouritism that’s left the duo sidelined.
“During my two years at Orlando Pirates, Shonga and [Augustine] Mulenga were pillars of the team as we fought for the league (title),” he said at a press conference in Zambia on Thursday.
“The moment I left, everything turned upside down, and I can assure that you can blame the players 99%, but there is still 1% of the aspect on how the team is set-up and unbelievable injustice towards players like Shonga and Mulenga.
The former Zamalek boss went on to make the example of Lorch and Shonga: “Both of the players were suspended, but the club only retained Lorch to a competitive team, Shonga is still out.
“This is a cruel life of a foreigner in a country. With the highest degree of respect, I want to see South Africa in the best possible way, but it’s hard for professionals as they need to be more times better in order to succeed.”
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