Maphike shaken by beating

NTSIE Maphike's status as a football legend did not spare him from an assault by angry football fans on the East Rand on Sunday.

The former Kaizer Chiefs star, head coach of Vodacom League side Soweto Panthers, said he was given a severe beating during his side's 1-1 draw with Boksburg Guild during the Easter tournament in Reiger Park and was left with three stitches to the head.

He said trouble erupted after his side's late equaliser.

"Suddenly, the supporters started invading the pitch and I was assaulted with bottles. What is even more disappointing is that their coach had been inciting the fans to turn against us," Maphike fumed.

He vowed never to take part in the competition again.

"It was a Mickey Mouse tournament. There was no security and everything was badly organised. The game was abandoned and played the following day. My boys lost 1-0. After what happened to me, I would discourage all professional academies from participating in that tournament even if it's an order from management," he said.

But Guild coach Sheldon Litchfield gave Sowetan a different account of events.

"Maphike went onto the pitch and swore at one of my players, but one of the supporters took offence and swore back at him and that's when the trouble started," Litchfield said.

He denied inciting the fans.