Democratic Republic of Congo coach Claude Le Roy has slammed the condition of his team’s training ground after his players picked up injuries during training.
Skipper Tresor Mputu did not complete training at the Zwide Stadium on Wednesday because the pitch was full of holes, the Frenchman said.
“The pitch is fit for anything but football, it is full of holes. We have complained to the organisers, but I’m told that CAF said I’m always complaining.
“We were in the bus for two hours and could spend only 30 minutes on the pitch because it is bad.
“We need to respect the players because without players there will be no coaches, no journalists and no CAF.”
DR Congo face Niger here late Thursday as Group B continues at the Africa Cup.
The Leopards fought from two goals down to draw 2-2 with one of the tournament favourites, Ghana, on Sunday, but Le Roy says his team are not deluded by the performance.
“The draw has given us a little more confidence, but that does not mean we will become blind,” he said.
“We are still not on the same level as a team like Ghana, but we now know we are not too far off.
“We want to qualify for the quarter-finals, but we have to work hard to beat Niger and then Mali.”
DR Congo coach Le Roy slams training pitch
