Royal AM co-coach Abram Nteo has opened up on his relationship with Khabo Zondo after he was recently left behind for the DStv Premiership clash with SuperSport United.
Royal AM shared the spoils with ZESCO United in their CAF Confederations Cup second preliminary round first leg at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday.
Zondo was said to be on his way out of the club after he did not form part of the team in the 3-1 defeat to SuperSport United at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Wednesday.
However, club boss Shauwn ‘Ma’ Mkhize dismissed those rumours to iDiski Times, saying Zondo was not sacked but he was left behind to train the other half of the squad at the Royal Ranch to prepare the match against the Zambian giants since games were closed to each other.
Nteo said leaving Zondo behind paid fruits for his side to match ZESCO, who have more experience in CAF interclub competitions..
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ZESCO initially flew out of the blocks, putting the Royal AM under pressure in the first half. But in the second half, the home side grew and could have won the game in the end with Ian Otieno producing two brilliant saves.
“That is why we left Zondo behind,” Nteo said.
“He prepared the team very well. We are happy with what coach Khabo did and you could see the response of the players, it was positive.
“It was good work from the coach. The relationship of working with Zondo, we are working very well. To leave Zondo behind with these players – look at the job he did for us, I’m very happy with the performance and good work from the coach.”
While Zondo was credited for the job well done in preparing the team, he was not on the bench for Royal AM as it has been widely reported that he doesn’t have a CAF A license.
It will be the same case in the second leg at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Saturday with Zondo sitting in the stands and Nteo on the sidelines.
Royal AM are going into this game knowing that a score draw will be enough for them to reach the playoffs ahead of the group stages.
MaMkhize Breaks Silence On Zondo Exit Rumours
