Free State Stars coach Luc Eymael has suggested that attempts made by Bidvest Wits and Chippa United to poach strikers Mohamed Anas and Edward Manqele away from the Bethlehem-based outfit is a plot to try and destabilise his team.
“When you want a player that still has a contract at another club, you speak to that club and not the player,” Eymael said following Friday night’s 1-0 victory over reigning champions Wits as the Absa Premiership resumed.
“I have spoken to both players and Anas has confirmed that he got a call from Wits and Edward told me that he got a call from Chippa. I said okay, if there is an offer then we must sit down and talk. But contact has to be made with the club if the player is under contract.”
Wits have been particularly busy during this January transfer window to try and change their fortunes in a season that has turned into a nightmare for coach Gavin Hunt.
The Clever Boys have absolutely no hope of defending their title and have now lost eight of their 15 league matches, leaving them bottom of the table.
Friday night’s win took Stars to second on the table and just three points behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who face Polokwane City away at 3.30pm this afternoon.
“Jose (Wits CEO) has denied talking to Anas, but the player says he has been contacted. I don’t call a player who is contracted somewhere else,” Eymael said. “
A lot of agents are calling me day and night, and very early in the day. But we have to respect each other, have ethics, if I can call it that. I am not here to criticise, but I am just giving my opinion. I don’t know why all these clubs want so many players – to have 33 players of the same level? Why? It is good to have competition, but not too much. If there is too much then you have disputes.”