Anthony Laffor resisted the temptation to hit back at coach Pitso Mosimane after scoring in Mamelodi Sundowns' 2-0 victory over Zesco United in the CAF Champions League semifinal second leg on Saturday.
Laffor's goal came just three days after Mosimane said the player is difficult to work with and does not always perform when given a chance to start.
The Liberian international did his talking on the pitch at Lucas Moripe Stadium, with a well-taken goal after just five minutes to help Sundowns progress to the final of the continental club competition with a 3-2 aggregate victory.
"It was a surprise to me [to start the game], but the most important thing is that I kept my feet on the ground. I read an article where the coach said I cannot play 90 minutes. But I just want to say thanks to him for allowing me to play 90 minutes," said Laffor.
"Since I have been to South Africa, he is the first coach who says I am difficult. I worked with Jomo [Sono] and Gavin [Hunt] and they did not say I am difficult. But some of these things you do not need to talk about. You just need to listen to what the coaches want you to do. I am here to work and I am not here to get into conflict with anybody. It's not about me, it's about the team."
Laffor and Mosimane have had a love-hate relationship for three years. During the off-season, while Sundowns were competing in the Champions League group stages, Laffor was fined for not returning to training on time after international duty.
Laffor was apparently not happy that Sundowns had given an extra two days off to striker Leonardo Castro, who was spending time with his three-month-old daughter in Colombia.
The 31-year-old enjoyed a good seven days last week, scoring in both the MTN8 and Champions League league semifinals. He also created the away goal in his club's 2-1 defeat to Zesco in the first leg in Ndola.
Laffor answers Pitso's criticism in fine style
Anthony Laffor resisted the temptation to hit back at coach Pitso Mosimane after scoring in Mamelodi Sundowns' 2-0 victory over Zesco United in the CAF Champions League semifinal second leg on Saturday.
Laffor's goal came just three days after Mosimane said the player is difficult to work with and does not always perform when given a chance to start.
The Liberian international did his talking on the pitch at Lucas Moripe Stadium, with a well-taken goal after just five minutes to help Sundowns progress to the final of the continental club competition with a 3-2 aggregate victory.
"It was a surprise to me [to start the game], but the most important thing is that I kept my feet on the ground. I read an article where the coach said I cannot play 90 minutes. But I just want to say thanks to him for allowing me to play 90 minutes," said Laffor.
"Since I have been to South Africa, he is the first coach who says I am difficult. I worked with Jomo [Sono] and Gavin [Hunt] and they did not say I am difficult. But some of these things you do not need to talk about. You just need to listen to what the coaches want you to do. I am here to work and I am not here to get into conflict with anybody. It's not about me, it's about the team."
Laffor and Mosimane have had a love-hate relationship for three years. During the off-season, while Sundowns were competing in the Champions League group stages, Laffor was fined for not returning to training on time after international duty.
Laffor was apparently not happy that Sundowns had given an extra two days off to striker Leonardo Castro, who was spending time with his three-month-old daughter in Colombia.
The 31-year-old enjoyed a good seven days last week, scoring in both the MTN8 and Champions League league semifinals. He also created the away goal in his club's 2-1 defeat to Zesco in the first leg in Ndola.
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