Democratic Republic of Congo coach Claude Le Roy prevented his players from striking just days ahead of their 2013 Africa Cup of Nations clash with tournament favourites Ghana.
------------------------------------------------------------
Predict result and win big with Soccer6
------------------------------------------------------------
The DRC squad is in Oman preparing for the competition to be held in South Africa where they'll be based in Port Elizabeth for two of their three Group B matches.
"There was a meeting between the players who were fed up at not knowing how much their bonuses would be eight days before the Nations Cup.
"They said they would not go to train but in the end the training session went ahead as normal," said Le Roy, the former Ghana coach.
"They've been told they must play for their national pride, but if they are here that means of course they are playing for their country.
"But they are missing one month's competition with their clubs with the risk of losing their first team place. And their demand is by no means outlandish.
"The five or six lead players asked for me to say that it's not acceptable, and I understand them.
"They've got a great respect for me. Between the players and the staff the work atmosphere is great."
The Frenchman was also frank in his assertion about the federation's coffers: "You'd have to be naive to think the (DRC Football) Federation has the money, with support from the Government the federation has nothing."
The Leopards take on Ghana this Sunday and then four days later face Niger at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, their final game against Mali will be hosted at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
Post A Comment!
Be the first to post a comment on this story