Former Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronnie Kanalelo has been provisionally suspended from all Namibia FA-related activities after being accused of pointing a gun at a fellow coach.
Kananelo, who is the coach of the Bucks Buccaneers, was involved in an altercation with Paulus Shipanga of Blue Waters after their Namibia Premier Football League match on Sunday.
The confrontation escalated to the point where both individuals allegedly reached for weapons in an attempt to settle their dispute after the league encounter.
The 53-year-old, who spent seven years at Sundowns, also serves as an assistant coach of the Namibian Brave Warriors.
FORMER MAMELODI SUNDOWNS GOALKEEPER ACCUSED OF PULLING OUT A DANGEROUS WEAPON AGAINST A FELLOW COACH
According to reports by the Namibian media, the heated altercation between the two coaches at the Nau-Aib Stadium parking area escalated to an extent that Shipanga pulled out a knife while Kanalelo reached out for a gun in his defence.
The Namibian FA has banned both coaches. They are not allowed to perform technical duties associated with their respective clubs.
RONNIE KANANELO RESPONDS AFTER BEING PROVISIONALLY SUSPENDED
But in a Facebook post, Kanalelo refuted the claims, saying he never initiated violence towards any coach.
“I have never insulted, threatened, or initiated any violence towards any match official or coach,” reads the post by Kananelo. “Please do not misinterpret my body language as misbehaviour. I am a coach who remains within the game space, and I respond to incorrect referee decisions without resorting to insults.
“I react to insults made against my players, and I discourage my players from insulting opponents or match officials.
“The incident from last weekend is not accurately portrayed as it occurred. To the best of my understanding, any chaos on the field had ended by the time we left the field. I did not follow anyone to their car or continue any confrontation as it has been suggested. In conclusion, I always strive to do what is right.”
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