Sundowns duo suspended from camp for reporting under alcohol influence

The Mamelodi Sundowns duo of star midfielder Andile Jali and striker Phakamani Mahlambi were reportedly turned away from the club’s Coronavirus safe biological environment camp in Rustenburg recently after reporting reeking of booze.

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According to a source close to the defending Absa Premiership champions, the incident happened when both Jali and Mahlambi showed up at the team’s training camp base at Royal Marang Hotel in the North West, about two weeks ago to join the rest of their teammates.

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Mamelodi Sundowns players in training. (Image: TimesLIVE)

“When they arrived, the technical team met with them and discovered that they were reeking of alcohol,” said the source according to Sunday World.

“Upon further interaction, the technical officials concluded that they were both not in a state where they could train with the team and told them to go back home.”

Both players are said to be facing a hefty fine which the club prepares to impose as a warning to would-be transgressors for their lack of discipline.

It is not the first time that both players have found themselves on the wrong end at both club and country camps. In 2018, Jali was facing expulsion from the club after he apparently failed three pre-training breathalyzer tests, while Mahlambi was also sent packing at a Bafana Bafana camp for reporting while under the influence of alcohol.

With Masandawana set to restart action with the Nedbank Cup semi-finals against Bidvest Wits on Saturday, August 8, it’s not yet confirmed if both players have since been allowed back into camp.