Share

Age-cheating angers Chiefs

Johannesburg - Kaizer Chiefs have revealed they warned SAFA of Thabani Mthembu's alleged age cheating before his call-up for Under-17 international duty.

The striker has been suspended by Amakhosi along with Boitumelo Xaba under the suspicion of having shaved some years off their date of birth.

The club's football manager Bobby Motaung insists Chiefs do not want to be associated with the player's involvement in the national team while he is under investigation.

"On October 28 we wrote a letter informing SAFA that players, Boitumelo Xaba and Thabani Maluleki Mthembu have been suspended by the club because of suspected age cheating," he told Amakhosi's official website.

"We are surprised to hear from the media that the player has been called up under Kaizer Chiefs name.

"We never received a letter from SAFA and we would like to put it categorically clear that we are distancing ourselves from this call up."

The national U17 side is gearing up for the fourth edition of Southern African Sports Confederation & Olympic Committee Zone 6 games in Swaziland.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1271 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1469 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2240 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE