Following dramatic events at the SAFA Limpopo ABC Motsepe League provincial playoffs, Mpheni Defenders chairman and coach Sydwell Phuravhathu has shared his thoughts on the police who tried to stop their match at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.
Dolphins FC emerged victorious in the SAFA Limpopo ABC Motsepe League provincial decider, defeating Mpheni Defenders 5-4 in a thrilling penalty shootout after the match ended in a 1-1 draw in regular time.
The final, however, was marred by significant drama. The provincial playoffs had been interdicted by Sunrise FC at the Limpopo High Court, pending an arbitration review. Despite a sheriff serving the court interdict at the stadium, both Dolphins FC and Mpheni Defenders insisted on proceeding with the match.
The tension escalated when police officers entered the field during the game, attempting to halt the contest. However, their efforts to stop the showpiece were unsuccessful, and the match continued to its dramatic conclusion.
MPHENI DEFENDERS BOSS ON SUNRISE FC’S COURT INTERDICT TO STOP PROVINCIAL PLAYOFFS
The Mpheni boss Phuravhathu labelled the court interdict from Sunrise FC as “vague and embarrassing” and something that is shameful for the beautiful game.
“Anything that is outside of football is not for us because, for me, I see the court order as vague and embarrassing,” said Phuravhathu.
“There is nowhere that the sheriff was instructed to interdict the game, and there is nowhere that the police were asked to assist in stopping the match. For me, this is an issue that they should take further with Sunrise. For now, I think the game is played, and all the best to the Dolphins.
“Psychologically, it has affected the team. However, you can’t blame the psychological aspect of it, because in coaching, you’re taught how to deal with it as one of the elements that could affect the game. We tried very hard to win the match; unfortunately, it wasn’t our day.”
As things stand, the Dolphins will represent Limpopo in the SA third-tier league national playoffs.
The national playoffs will be staged in Gauteng province from Tuesday, July 1, to Sunday, July 6, 2025.
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