Mosimane says he’s done his part to rescue troubled Rantie’s career

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane has spoken out, following the unceremonious departure of striker Tokelo Rantie.

The former Bournemouth player had his contract torn up without featuring in a competitive game for the Tshwane giants after going AWOL.

Mosimane opens up about Rantie

He had joined the club towards the end of 2019 and has not kicked a ball in anger in over two years.

Mosimane had spoken of handing the 29-year-old – who has had his fair share of disciplinary issues – a second chance prior to him joining the club.

However, things did not go as planned as he failed to restart his ailing career, which had come to a halt once more, following another unceremonious exit at Cape Town City the previous season.

“I am not disappointed because I feel I have done my part,” Mosimane said.

“I spoke to you guys and said ‘what do you think is going to happen’ because this guy has a reputation. “I said ‘give this guy a chance, give him a lifeline’ so that’s what I did. Basically, what you guys were saying or Cape Town City were saying came out the same way.

“What can I do? I can’t do anything.”

Pitso Mosimane

The loss of Rantie has left the defending league champions thin up front, with Mauricio Affonso and Jose Ali Meza now nursing injuries.

Mosimane has admitted that Sundowns need reinforcements in the striking department.

“We need finishers upfront. We are not looking for a player who is going to show us how to play. Gaston (Sirino) is there,” Mosimane said.

“Mshishi (Themba Zwane) is there. We need somebody who can finish the attack. We are trying. We haven’t given up. We are still there.”

Rantie’s troubled past

Rantie is no stranger to pulling disappearing acts, as he first did so while in the books of Turkish outfit, Genclerbirligi.

The club released the striker in 2018 after he was granted leave and failed to return to training.

Later that year, he emerged in the Mother City, signing for Cape Town City under former Orlando Pirates teammate, Benni McCarthy.

However, his stay at the Citizens was short-lived as he failed to make an appearance before he was shown the door early in 2019.

At Sundowns, he had made a single appearance in an exhibition match against Kaizer Chiefs before not showing up for training in over a month.

Rantie has made 40 international appearances for South Africa, scoring 12 goals.