Just before their CAF Champions League opener away at the Algerian sides, Es Setif, the Mamelodi Sundowns suspended and fined Anthony Laffor for refusing to show up for training.

Although the Liberian International later made it clear that he spoke with the club about wanting a new challenge, the Sundowns head coach, Pitso Mosimane has insisted that the Liberian attacker will not be leaving the club.

Again, Laffor missed the Sundowns’ second Champions’ League clash with Nigeria’s giant Enyinba Football Club, a match the Sundowns won 2-1. But Mosimane revealed after the match that Laffor was set to be part of the squad that defeated Enyimba, but missed out due to family issues.

“Laffor is fine, and he was supposed to be here,” Mosimane told the club’s website. “His daughter has been in the hospital since Tuesday. I think she fell. He is at the Edenvale Hospital looking after his daughter.”

He added, “The disciplinary issues have been lifted. Players make mistakes. He came back late, but we don’t keep grudges. He got the punishment, and we also fined him. It’s okay that he’s back. Laffor has [a] contract with us.”

Laffor, who last played for the Sundowns in a 1-0 home win against the Platinum Stars on the final day of the ABSA Premiership, could make his return to the squad when they take on the Egyptian Premier League giant Zamalek Sports Club on July 17 at the Cairo International Stadium.

Featured photo by T. Kla Wesley, Jr.