Former Kaizer Chiefs striker Bernard Parker believes Pitso Mosimane only signed George Maluleka to destabilise Amakhosi in 2020.
Maluleke spent six years at Chiefs but shocked many when he signed a pre-contract with rivals Sundowns during a season where Amakhosi were in fine form and topping the Betway Premiership by 11 points.
Despite their dominance that season, Amakhosi eventually lost the league to Masandawana on the last day.
Parker, who was part of the Chiefs team that lost the league by two points, feels Pitso did not need Maluleka.
“We went into the bubble and there were a lot of mind games played by coach Pitso Mosimane,” the former Chiefs star told Smash Sports.
“We were already leading the log by 11 points, it’s a huge gap. On top of it, coach Pitso signed George Maluleka on a pre-contract, trying to destabilise our camp.”
Parker on how Pitso Mosimane signed Maluleka from Chiefs
Parker revealed that then then-coach Ernst Middendorp still wanted to keep Maluleka until the end of the season but the midfielder signed a pre-contract with Sundowns
“Middendorp still wanted to keep George but I believe once your mind is set elsewhere, you’re no longer perform, no matter how hard you can try,” he said.
Although Chiefs held a comfortable lead at the top, Pitso Mosimane famously warned the fans, saying, “May is too far.”
“It affected our rhythm and momentum. We kept on pushing but the results were not coming. Worst of all, things were taken lightly, it was like “Ah, unlucky, ah next time” we should’ve tackled this seriously, especially from management to the players. Take it seriously and say, “Hey, this can’t be allowed! We need to grind the result, because it’s getting nearer.”