Bucs condemn attack on goalkeeper

Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa and his family were attacked in Umlazi.

Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa and his family were attacked in Umlazi.

Published May 16, 2013

Share

Durban – Orlando Pirates Football Club have condemned an attack on the team’s goalkeeper, Senzo Meyiwa, and his family by supporters in Umlazi near Durban following the club’s 1-0 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns last week.

Club spokesman Mickey Modise told The Mercury on Wednesdau night they had no intention of “forgiving” the attackers and wanted the law to take its course. Police spokesman Vincent Mdunge confirmed two men had been arrested and appeared in court this week.

Police suspected robbery was the motive as jewellery had been taken from Meyiwa’s wife and relatives.

Mdunge condemned the attack, saying the player’s presence in Umlazi township inspired young footballers.

Meyiwa, who comes from Durban, could not be reached for comment but he told The Mercury’s sister newspaper, Isolezwe, he was with his wife, Mandisa, and relatives in M-section Umlazi when they stopped at a supermarket, at the weekend.

He claimed two men recognised him and accused him and his teammates of letting the side down in the Premier Soccer League match against Sundowns which gave their Soweto rivals, Kaizer Chiefs, the advantage to win the league this season.

“We were waiting for our change when a man came towards me and started swearing at us,” he said. “My older sister intervened and told the man to stop talking but it only spurred him on and another man joined in and called me a b****.”

Meyiwa said he was upset and raised his voice.

On hearing the commotion, the owner of the store arrived. Instead of stopping the incident, he claimed, the shop owner attacked his wife. Another group followed and assaulted his relatives, Meyiwa said. He was punched, he said.

A relative had lost her earrings and his wife her wedding ring, he claimed.

“I was forced to apologise to the gang but I have opened a case with the police,” he said. He has also reported the matter to the club’s chairman, Irvin Khoza, who is in Egypt.

Modise said the fans’ behaviour was “totally unacceptable. How will we win the Champions League if Senzo is assaulted by fans?”

The Mercury

Related Topics: