Former Orlando Pirates winger Tlou Segolela has addressed the incident at his annual tournament, in which a match was abandoned under controversial circumstances.
The tournament, one of the oldest festive football tournaments, is currently underway in Moletjie, outside Polokwane in Limpopo.
It was founded by the former Pirates and Bafana Bafana star through his Tlou Segolela Sports Development [TSSD] foundation.
It is also one of the successful tournaments in the province, which attracts thousands of supporters, including current professional players who come to witness the action.
WHAT TRANSPIRED AT THE FESTIVE TOURNAMENT ORGANISED BY TLOU SEGOLELA
However, the tournament was marred by controversy on Saturday, 27 December 20025. One of the matches was abandoned after an opponent refused to allow a penalty to be taken.
The incident occurred during the final Senior Division Last 16 fixture between Dr MK Manamela FC and AS Roma FC.
At the time of the incident, the match was level at 1-1 when AS Roma FC was awarded a penalty by the match officials.
However, Dr MK Manamela FC players refused to allow the penalty to be taken, resulting in a stoppage of play.
CLUB BANNED FROM PARTICIPATING IN THE FORMER ORLANDO PIRATES WINGER TOURNAMENT
“TSSD wishes to place on record that TSAFT2025 is conducted strictly in accordance with established tournament rules and regulations. They are also binding on all participating teams,” the organisation said in a statement.
“These rules are designed to uphold discipline, fairness, and respect for match officials. Any act of non-compliance, intimidation, or obstruction of match officials will not be tolerated.
“Following a review of the incident and in strict application of the TSSD Tournament Rules, TSSD has taken the decision to disqualify Dr MK Manamela FC from TSAFT2025 for failing to comply with lawful instructions from match officials and for bringing the game into disrepute. This decision is final and enforceable.”
“TSSD condemns any form of disorderly conduct and urges all teams to compete with discipline and sportsmanship.”
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