Taariq Fielies and Cape Town City parted ways just a day before the extended transfer window shut down, and SN24 has established why.
The veteran defender spent six years at Cape Town City, making over 200 appearances for the Citizens.
During his lengthy stay at the club, he established himself as a vital cog in City’s defence.
SN24 can reveal that his exit to join DStv Premiership side AmaZulu FC came about after a dressing room bust-up with City coach Eric Tinkler.
The incident took place following the team’s 1-0 defeat to Sekhukhune United last month in Cape Town.
WHAT HAPPENED BETWEEN TAARIQ FIELIES AND ERIC TINKLER?
Fielies was reportedly unhappy after the game when the players were called in for a meeting and made his feelings known to Tinkler. The two men exchanged heated words in full view of other players and the club’s staff.
The incident was broken up by other players and staff members, but the damage had already been done.
It was clear that his relationship with Tinkler was beyond repair.
On Thursday last week, Usuthu confirmed that Fielies had joined them after leaving the Mother City club by mutual consent.
Fielies’ departure is a major blow to Cape Town City, who are currently struggling for form in the DStv Premiership.
City find themselves in unfamiliar territory as they sit in 14th place after seven games.
They have only won two of their games, drew once, and lost four times.
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FIELIES KEY PERFOEMANCES
Fielies was one of the team’s key performers last season, and he will be difficult to replace.
However, the club will be hoping that the incident will serve as a wake-up call to the rest of the squad.
Cape Town City have a strong team, but they need to show more unity and discipline if they are to save their season.
Meanwhile, AmaZulu FC head coach Pablo Franco Martin has praised Fielies’ after his Usuthu debut on Monday.
He featured for the KZN outfit in the goalless draw against Polokwane City in the DStv Premiership at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Monday.
The centre-back produced a five-star performance and was duly named Man of the Match.
Martin waxed lyrical about the 31-year-old, adding he had only trained twice with the side.
“I think he played a very good game, not only in defence,” said Martin in a post-match interview.
“I think he helped us build up. He understands the situation very quickly; we know him as a player. We knew he had experience in the PSL and was fit when he arrived.
“He has trained twice with us, but we played him because we knew he was going to be an important player for us.”