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Premier Soccer League chairperson Dr Irvin Khoza has strongly condemned the violence that took place at Moses Mabhida Stadium on a Nedbank Cup semifinal match when Kaizer Chiefs lost 2-0 to Free State Stars.
Speaking at the PSL headquarters in Parktown, he said they would do everything in their power with the help of the police to solve this matter.
“We condemn what has happened, and we understand that it is not all supporters [who acted violently]. [It appears that whose supporters in] the presidential suites were not that active. Those who were active in terms of invading the pitch were on the northern side,” he said.
Spectators took their frustrations out on equipment and security personnel after the referee blew the final whistle of the match.
“We will do everything in our power [to help] the police because without the police we cannot solve this problem.”
He also said that the supporters responsible for damage to property must pay for their actions.
“It is important ... that people must take responsibility because you cannot say that the club will pay. You must pay ... There is no team that goes there [to a match] to lose; everyone wants to win.
“I know we have an emotional attachment to our clubs to win. We want to win finals we want to do whatever ... you want the bragging rights, and you want to write to social media but football has got its own surprises.
“That is why sometimes it is important to manage your expectations. Then again it is important to be accommodative, hence we are saying to the supporters that as much as we understand your frustrations that is not the way of doing it.
“We can’t be a country that uses violence as a means of achieving whatever you want to achieve.... Please don’t use violence. We’ve got platforms [where supports can raise their frustrations].”
He hoped that a meeting with Sports Minister Thokozile Xasa would improve the situation.
This isn’t the first incident of this nature.
Orlando Pirates supporters invaded a pitch during their 6-0 defeat against Mamelodi Sundowns in February 2017.
About two weeks ago, Chiefs supporters threw missiles aiming at their players and coach and also sang “Bobby must go” after their team lost 3-0 to Chippa United.
Khoza revealed that the guard, who was initially reported to be female, was a male and was discharged from hospital on Monday morning.
“I have been told that there’s a lady that has been kicked an it happens that the person that was kicked was Mr Sabela Manziba and his age is 32, and had head injuries. He was treated in the hospital and was discharged.”
Khoza couldn’t confirm whether Chiefs would face any more sanctions for the matter after recently being fined R200 000 for crowd trouble.
Chiefs also announced interim coach Patrick Mabdedi following the resignation of head coach Steve Komphela. He will be in charge of the team for the remainder of the 2017/2018 season.
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