Downs clarify Cappa resignation

2005-12-14 13:00

Pretoria - Former Sundowns coach Angel Cappa jumped ship before he was pushed, Sundowns president Patrice Motsepe said on Wednesday.

Cappa tendered his resignation as coach of the star-studded Sundowns team on Monday citing personal and domestic problems.

"I do not really want to talk about what could have happened but rather talk about the facts. Cappa spoke to us about personal and domestic reasons and that is why he is not here.

"We have been discussing these issues for some time now and we decided to let him go because these reasons could have a profound effect on his ability to focus on the team," said mining magnate Patrice Motsepe.

However, Motsepe made mention of his dissatisfaction with the team's recent run of poor results and performances.

"We need to win games and trophies and make sure that the club is one of the best in South Africa and on the continent. We must not just win but also play beautiful football," Motsepe said.

With the Argentinean, Cappa, now something of the past for Sundowns, the former triple league champions now seek the services of a local coach.

"We want to give preference to a local coach. I need someone that understands township soccer and furthermore understands the mentality of South African and township players," Motsepe said.

Sundowns are expected to announce their new head coach early next month while Cappa's assistant Miguel Gamondi and the head of the club's youth academy Neil Tovey will be joint caretaker coaches.

Whoever the new man will be, the only way of staying with the multi-million rand outfit will be through winning.

"I expect good results. I can't tell a coach who to field and what to do. I need results and I don't compromise," Motsepe concluded.

- SAPA