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WITS IN RACIST TAUNT FIASCO

DISPLEASED BOSS: Harold "Jazzy Gueen" Legodi. © Gallo Images.
DISPLEASED BOSS: Harold "Jazzy Gueen" Legodi. © Gallo Images.

Ramatsiyi Moholoa

Ramatsiyi Moholoa

Wits University are to appear before the Safa Soweto disciplinary committee on Wednesday for allegedly calling their opponents "monkeys, baboons and kaffirs".

This was after some of the Wits players and officials called their counterparts from Africa Sport Youth Academy all sorts of names.

It is also claimed that parents of some of the Wits players were involved in the incident and that Safa will also be taking action against them.

The incident occurred at Marks Park in Emmarentia two weeks ago when the two sides met in an Under-19 league match under the auspices of Safa Soweto.

Phil "Chippa" Mogodi, Safa Soweto chief executive officer, said: "Wits will appear before our DC on Wednesday to face a charge of bringing the sport into disrepute.

"We have made it clear that there is no room for racism in our society. We can't afford to drag the country back to the days of apartheid.

"It is unfortunate that parents and guardians of some of the players, who are supposed to teach their children that we are all human beings, are also perpetuating racism."

The report by Africa Sport Youth Academy's boss, Harold "Jazzy Queen" Legodi, corroborates that of Mike Ndlovu, who was the referee of the drama-filled match.

Wits are co-owned by Premiership side BidVest Wits, and have ANC stalwart and top businessman Cyril Ramaphosa as their chairman.

Meanwhile, Wits chairman Robin de Lange issued a statement at the weekend stating that the club was investigating the matter.

"Should there be a prima facie case to answer, the player in question will face a disciplinary inquiry. Before such an investigation is complete it will be premature for us to comment further.

"However, the Wits Junior Football Club condemns racist and discriminatory behaviour and will take every step in its power to ensure that our club members respect this policy.

"We apologise to anyone who felt offended by the incident."

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