Zwide pitch ‘not normal’ – DRC coach

DR Congo coach Claude Le Roy has blasted CAF over his team’s training ground at Zwide township, Port Elizabeth.

The charismatic French-born mentor described the Zwide Stadium as being “not normal” after three of his key players, including captain Tresor Mputu, limped off the pitch after two training sessions.

“The pitch is not normal to train on and when I told CAF about this they say I’m always complaining,” said the 64-year-old, responding to a question from City Press during a press conference yesterday at the Nelson Mandela Stadium.

Mputu left the park with an ice pack strapped around his knee after Tuesday’s morning training session.

Le Roy said star striker Lomana Lualua and Jean Kasulula also suffered injuries as a result of the surface.

“The ground is uneven and … not okay to train on every day.”

The Leopards are building up for their crucial Group B fixture against Niger tonight. The game kicks off at 8pm.

Niger coach Gernot Rohr meanwhile said his side was hoping to better their performance during their debut at the last Afcon co-hosted by Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.

“The atmosphere is still good around the team despite the loss,” said Rohr.

Niger lost 1-0 to Mali who will meet Ghana in an early kick-off, also tonight.

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