Mamelodi Sundowns management and TS Galaxy have reportedly initiated communication to resolve a recent public dispute between coaches Rulani Mokwena and Sead Ramovic.

The controversy arose following a 3-0 victory by Sundowns in their first league meeting of the season at Loftus Stadium last month. Mokwena accused Galaxy players of targeting Sundowns midfielder Bongani Zungu, alleging they were shown a video of Zungu’s tackle that injured Bernard Parker earlier in the season.

Zungu’s tackle on Parker in October’s Carling Knockout Cup first-round match resulted in a broken foot for the Galaxy and former Kaizer Chiefs captain. Mokwena expressed disappointment with a “retaliatory” tackle by Orebotse Mongae on Zungu, which led to a red card for the Galaxy player.

In a post-match interview on SuperSport TV, Mokwena claimed, “I was informed last night that the opposition coach showed the tackle Zungu made on Bernard Parker, essentially saying, ‘Don’t forget what Bongani Zungu did.'”

TS Galaxy responded with a statement the following day, strongly refuting Mokwena’s claims and calling them “blatant lies” that brought “serious embarrassment” to the sport. They demanded a retraction and evidence within 24 hours, threatening legal action otherwise.

According to sources, Sundowns management, specifically Yogesh Singh, has reached out to attorney Tim Sukazi, with whom Singh previously worked, to facilitate communication with Galaxy. This attempt was delayed due to both teams’ schedules.

The source downplayed the situation, suggesting it was a media-fueled escalation of a minor disagreement between coaches. Mokwena and Ramovic have a history of public spats, with Mokwena previously implying Ramovic needed media attention and Ramovic retorting that he played in Germany’s top league while Mokwena was involved in a less prestigious sport such as badminton.

Both clubs are scheduled to meet again on Tuesday at Mbombela Stadium (19:30) for their second league match of the season. Sources indicate a desire to resolve the issue internally, without further media involvement. Whether the coaches will shake hands before or after the game remains to be seen, but Mokwena is reportedly open to a handshake.