“Micho gave me Denis Onyango. I know Micho for many years‚ from when he was still at Saint-George [in Ethiopia].
“He invited me over to a Cecafa tournament to see players‚ and he highlighted Denis and other guys when I was still at SuperSport United. That ’s how far back we go.
“And I sent him a text‚ and he hasn’t replied yet‚ that I’m saddened by him leaving. Because we had a very good‚ friendly competition.
“We never had a go at each other. It was professional. And he’s a professional guy‚ a humble guy.
“He even handles a loss much better than me. I learnt from him‚ like Steve Komphela. Those guys handle defeats much better than me.
“I even texted Rulani as well – I wished him luck‚ and that he has been looking for that [a head coaching role]‚ and he got the opportunity to do it.
“He must just fly. I told you guys when he was still next to me that I think Rulani is going to be better than me.
“But you know how football is. You still have to travel the road. And Rulani must never worry about the loss (1-0 quarterfinal home defeat to Highland Park) because it’s part of football.
“But Micho provided very good competition. I just feel now‚ like ... you know when you had somebody who kept you on your toes‚ and you fight with him all the time.
“And it’s like‚ ‘Ooh‚ what happened to the fight?’ You know what I’m trying to say. This guy’s been pushing me for the last two years.
“But Orlando Pirates will always be Orlando Pirates. It’s a big club. They’ve got quality‚ good players‚ the game‚ the speed.”
Sundowns meet Cape Town City next in a league match at Lucas Moripe on Tuesday night.
