Tempers flared from fans and pundits alike in the build-up to the much-anticipated match-up between the two Soweto giants due to Mokwena suggesting Amakhosi were tactically weaker under Giovanni Solinas, following Steve Komphela’s departure.
This was seen as mind games by some, while others took offense to the young outspoken tactician’s sentiments as a show of “disrespect” towards the Italian as well as Chiefs as an institution.
However, thanks to the securing of a 2-1 victory at the FNB Stadium on Saturday, Sredojevic was full of praise for his stablemate’s effectiveness in unsettling the opponents, implying perhaps that it had been strategical.
“I need to give credit to the technical team, especially coach Rhulani, who had an outing that had misdirected and counted as disrespect to the opponent team, which was not,” said 'Micho'.
“It is a part of the game, it could motivate the opponent to come at us. After missing the penalty [by Justin Shonga], it was not easy, but God had plans for us. We worked very hard.
“I want to give absolute credit to coach Rhulani and the technical team for working hard and touching every single detail that played an important role for us to win.”
Asked to confirm whether this was indeed intentional or possibly naivety, the Serbian tactician refused to divulge any further as he suggested that something similar could be “served” before the next clash of the two biggest clubs in South Africa.
“I will not go deeper and further but I can assure you that the mission was accomplished, we won the game and that’s all that counts,” he added.
“The rest of the things will go into the history books, it will serve for the next time and we shall always look to serve a different kind of food in that regard.
“This is needed in preparation for the match, and I will not comment further and deeper.”