CAPE TOWN - The sponsors of South Africa’s FA Cup say their brand “cannot be associated with the acts of violence” following events at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday night.
Nedbank issued a statement late on Monday night on the mayhem that occurred after Kaizer Chiefs’ 2-0 semi-final defeat to Free State Stars in Durban, and said that they will be working closely with the Premier Soccer League to investigate the matter, and “will take the necessary actions to avoid the same from happening again”.
But at this stage, it doesn’t appear as if the Nedbank Cup is in danger of losing its sponsorship, which has been in place since 2008.
The loss was the last straw for angry Chiefs fans, who have been left frustrated by the lack of silverware during Steve Komphela’s reign and went on the rampage, damaging TV broadcasting equipment, ripping out seats and attacking security guards.
Eighteen people were injured in the chaos, and coach Komphela resigned after the match.
“Like many South Africans, we at Nedbank are deeply disturbed by the unruly behaviour of certain groups of spectators that attacked security guards and destroyed broadcasting equipment at the semi-final match between Kaizer Chiefs and Free State Stars,” Nedbank said.
“We are encouraged by the swift response of the South African Police Service, who have already confirmed the arrests of two people in connection with these unlawful acts.
“The Nedbank brand cannot be associated with the acts of violence that was on display for all to see at a Nedbank Cup game, we are confident though that the Premier Soccer League working with safety and security stakeholders will take the necessary steps to eradicate any form of hooliganism from the beautiful game of football.
“We would like to wish all of those affected by the incident a speedy recovery and we are thankful that there are no fatal casualties as a result of the senseless acts.
"We will be working closely with the PSL to do a full investigation on the incidents that occurred, and we will take the necessary actions to avoid the same from happening again.”
Free State Stars will face Maritzburg United – who beat Mamelodi Sundowns in the other semi-final – in the Nedbank Cup final on May 19 at the Cape Town Stadium (7pm kickoff).
Kaizer Chiefs, with Patrick Mabedi as the interim coach, are in action on Tuesday night again in KZN when they take on Golden Arrows at the Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu (7.30pm).
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