Kaizer Chiefs have issued a statement in response to a PSL directive following the ugly scenes that unfolded at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit last month.
A section of Chiefs frustrated supporters threw missiles at head coach Molefi Ntseki following the club’s 1-0 loss to TS Galaxy on the 20th of August [Sunday] in a DStv Premiership clash. The ex-Bafana Bafana coach had to be escorted off the field by the police and security officers.
As a result, the PSL slapped Chiefs with a fine of R100,000 of which R30,000 is suspended for 24 months provided that during the period of suspension, the club is not found guilty of the same offence.
This came after Amakhosi pleaded guilty to charges of “misconduct in relation to the throwing of missiles, otherwise known as spectator misbehaviour,” as stated by PSL prosecutor Zola Majavu most recently.
However, the Soweto giants felt it was necessary to announce via their communications manager Vina Maphosa, that no one got injured when the club’s fans expressed their anger in a violent manner.
On top of the monetary fine, the PSL also ordered Amakhosi to write an apology to the league and the sponsors. And on Tuesday evening, Chiefs acted as instructed by strongly condemning the unacceptable behaviour of their fans.
Chiefs letter reads:
5 September 2023
Ms Mato Madlala
Acting Chief Executive Officer
Premier Soccer League
Dear Ms Madlala
LETTER OF APOLOGY FOR KAIZER CHIEFS ‘ SUPPORTERS’ BEHAVIOUR AT KAIZER CHIEFS V TS GALAXY FC PSL FIXTURE ON 20 AUGUST 2023
Kaizer Chiefs hereby unreservedly apologizes to the PSL, all PSL member clubs, TS Galaxy FC and all of its peace loving supporters, for the behaviour of some of its supporters at the Club’s PSL fixture against TS Galaxy FC at Mbombela Stadium on 20 August 2023.
The Club condemns this poor and unacceptable behaviour in the strongest possible terms.
We have commenced a process of engaging with Kaizer Chiefs’ branches on supporter behaviour at football matches.
Yours Sincerely
Kaizer Chiefs Football Club
The Glamour Boys’ faithful have built a reputation of venting their frustrations by throwing objects at the coaches and players as the club gets fined season after season due to such unsporting behaviour and bringing the DStv Premiership into disrepute.
Last season, Arthur Zwane, who was Chiefs’ head coach was injured and needed a police escort as disgruntled fans threw objects in his direction at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace in May 2023 after losing 1-0 to SuperSport United. The defeat saw Amakhosi, who last won a trophy in 2015 miss out on continental football as they finished the 2022/23 season outside the top three.
And with the fans’ patience wearing thin each campaign as they’ve been reduced to the laughing stock of SA football, it remains to be seen if the club under Ntseki will end the long trophy drought.
RELATED STORY: Ntseki outlines key qualities for academy players to be promoted
