The South African Football Players Union [SAFPU] has officially condemned controversial former Kaizer Chiefs star and now analyst Junior Khanye for his relentless verbal attacks.
Khanye, who retired over 10 years ago, is now a football analyst. The 40-year-old is known for being outspoken in his comments, some of which can be perceived as offensive.
It’s unclear which comments the players’ union was referring to. But they cited Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams and former Orlando Pirates defender Thulani Hlatshwayo as some of the victims.
Khanye was recently quoted as saying the Sundowns jersey was too heavy for the Bafana Bafana star, Adams.
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In a statement issued on Saturday, SAFPU described Khanye’s remarks as character assassination disguised as insight.
“What Mr Khanye continues to project into the public domain is not analysis, not commentary, and not critique. It is a character assassination disguised as insight. It is a self-serving spectacle that reeks of bitterness, personal failure, and professional envy,” said acting president Tebogo Monyai.
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“Let it be known: many of the very players he persistently maligns have accomplished more in their careers – ethically and professionally – than Mr Khanye ever did.
“His sustained assault is not rooted in footballing logic. But in a pathological attempt to heal from his own unfulfilled ambitions, at the expense of those who still carry the torch of the game. This kind of conduct is not only morally bankrupt. It is a direct assault on the values of professionalism, respect, and the spirit of the game.”
The Union has called on Khanye to publicly apologise to Adams, Hlatshwayo and other players that he might have ‘offended’.
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