18 Mambas goalkeeper, Lebohang Mohale, affectionately known as ‘Jomo’, has been banned from ever participating at the Kwamahlobo Festive Games in Meadowlands, Soweto, after punching the referee during a group stage encounter against Mathaithai on Tuesday afternoon.
As a result, Mambas have been fined R3 000 with R1 000 suspended. They are required to pay the R2 000 with immediate effect.
An eyewitness told FARPost that the incident occurred around the 25th minute after ‘Jomo’ pulled off a save from close range. The Mambas shot-stopper kicked a Mathaithai player in retaliation for tackling him shortly after making the save. “Jomo was given a red card, and he then ran in the direction of the referee and punched him,” said the witness.
“The game was postponed with the score 1-all, and the match was replayed the following day behind closed doors at Ruimsig Stadium. There was drama again, a quarrel, this time the fault was on Mathaithai as one of their stars was sent off.
Mambas won the game to qualify for the Last 16 of Kwamahlobo. They will be in action on Friday at 9 am against Soweto Leopards.
The organisers of the Soweto festive tournament reviewed the incident and came to the conclusion that: “The 18 Mambas goalkeeper (Jomo) is banned from ever playing in the tournament, whether with his current or any other team that might be interested in signing him.”
“The tournament is against any form of violence caused by players, officials, coaches and fans. This tournament is to build teams, individuals and to empower coaches,” read the statement.
“If you feel the need to say or suggest something that will grow the tournament, please send us an inbox to share your thoughts with us [[email protected]]. This tournament is nothing, without all relevant stakeholders, which is the players, the fans and sponsors involved. Let us promote football and let it be the winner at the end of the day.”
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