Safa condemns ‘violent acts of hooliganism and thuggery’ at ABC Motsepe national play-offs

The South African Football Association (Safa) have strongly rebuked ugly scenes after the semifinal of the ABC Motsepe national play-offs between Umsinga United and Orbit College at Harry Gwala Stadium on Friday. 

In what they labelled as “violent acts of hooliganism and thuggery”, fans believed to be of local side Umsinga United stormed the pitch after their team lost 1-0 to Orbit College to miss out on promotion to the National First Division (NFD) next season. 

According to eyewitness accounts, security was lax as some fans entered the stadium with alcohol and there were allegedly gunshots during the incident, putting lives at serious risk. 

Safa confirmed the chaotic scenes at the stadium and said they have asked security and the referee for a full report and they will prioritise an investigation into what led to the incident. 

“We will vigorously pursue this matter and any individual or club that is found to be guilty will be banned for these senseless acts. Such hooliganism has no place in football,” said Safa in a statement. 

Earlier in the day, Upington City (Northern Cape) and Orbit College (North West) were promoted to the Motsepe Foundation Championship after winning their national play-offs semifinals. 

Upington City beat Mpheni Home Defenders (Limpopo) 3-2 on penalties after their match was tied 1-1, while Orbit College stunned favourites Umsinga United 1-0 in the second semifinal.     

Upington City will now take on Orbit College in the ABC Motsepe national play-offs final on Sunday to decide the overall winner and the prize money of R1.2m.    

The runners-up of this match at the Harry Gwala Stadium will walk away with R600,000.