The family of the girl who tragically lost her life in an accident involving Sekhukhune United utility player Shaune Mogaila in November has reacted following his return to play.
Sekhukhune coach Lehlohonolo Seema justified the decision to reintroduce the right back to the team despite his ongoing legal issues. He had not played since the accident in October 2024.
However, this month, the former Royal AM versatile player has been featured twice for Babina Noko.
Four months ago, Mogaila faced charges of culpable homicide after the car accident that claimed the life of a nine-year-old girl.
After scoring the solitary goal in an away match against Chippa United in East London in the Betway Premiership on Saturday, Seema explained the reasons behind the player’s return.
SABC Sport quoted Seema as saying the club had been there for Mogaila and the families involved.
He added that there was a need to “support Shaune and make sure he is still part of us when he’s available”.
“And as the club, we have agreed that we’ll support him, and we’ll be giving him the time when it arrives [to deal with it],” he said.
Mogaila has appeared twice at the Tembisa Magistrate Court, facing charges of reckless and negligent driving, along with fleeing the scene.
Nonetheless, Seema stressed that Mogaila’s return demonstrated that “everybody deserves a second chance”.
“In terms of mental strength, he’s been attending [therapy] and the club is making sure he’s okay, so I don’t think we are being insensitive, I think we are showing Ubuntu that everybody deserves a second chance – that is why it’s called an accident,” he added.
HOW THE FAMILY HAS REACTED TO SHAUNE MOGAILA’S RETURN TO ACTION
Speaking to Radio 2000, the girl’s family said the notion that they had given their blessing to Mogaila was untrue.
Multiple media reports were that the family had given its blessing to Mogaila to return to the field of play. The family also clarified that they had not met the club or the player and his family.
“We are shocked by the reports that we have given Sekhukhune United our blessings for Shaune Mogaila to play again,” Sfiso Skhosana, family spokesperson of the deceased, told Radio 2000.
“For the record, we have never met Mogaila nor his family or Sekhukhune United since that tragic accident.”
Meanwhile, Seema said they would make sure they support their player. He said it was clear the player had not forgotten what happened.
“I think this is another way of showing his mental strength that he doesn’t go and sit at home and put his head between his legs; he’s trying and still going, as difficult as it is,” Seema said.
“Unfortunately, in life, life has to go on, and as long as someone is getting [tried] on that legal route, it shows that he’s at least there to face whatever will happen when the court settles the matter, and Shaune will be given time when that moment arrives.”
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