Mosimane not happy with Billiat treatment

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane has slammed the manner in which opponents deliberately rough-tackle Khama “Magic Feet” Billiat – and fears that if things are allowed to go on this way, the player might not finish the season.The coach points out that in examining the injuries Billiat sustains during matches, he has suffered kicks and elbowings, including kicks to the hip, knees and thigh..

“Billiat has been turned into a target, and we are worried by the number of fouls committed against him. At this rate, he will not last the whole season,” Mosimane lamented.

He points out that he accepts that soccer is a sometimes very physical game. “It is to be expected and nobody is saying the player should not be tackled legitimately. And, of course, there will be the unintentional harsh tackle as well, and because of his style of play, this is to be expected. 

However, in reviewing our matches, it has become clear to us that this is more than just seeking to legitimately stop the player and win the ball,” he says. 

“It seems some players deliberately set out to injure the player – so where is the fair play?”

“Sometimes, the referees have protected him – as they should every other player on the field. Players have been given yellow cards for senseless attacks where the opponent has no intention of going for the ball. 

This is what is wrong. In some cases, players have received red cards, and that is how it should be.”

Mosimane points out that players like Lionel Messi and Ronaldo have often been victims of rough tackles in Europe. 

“But the referees protect them. Our players – and I am referring to all professional players in our league – must be protected from unduly harsh tackles. These are their careers, and they need and deserve protection,” he said.