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Cape Town - Former Bafana Bafana assistant coach Phil "Mr Jones" Setshedi was found guilty of match fixing by the Bellville Specialised Commercial Crimes Court, the SA Football Association said on Monday.
Setshedi's guilty verdict was handed down on Friday.
"Setshedi was found guilty of an attempt to unduly and improperly influence the outcome of a Vodacom League playoff match in Cape Town last year," spokesperson Dominic Chimhavi said in a statement.
At the time of his arrest, Setshedi was involved with the Mpumalanga Sevutsa Stars, who were seeking promotion to the national first league in the Vodacom Promotional League Tournament.
He wanted to give the referee a R6 000 bribe for the Sevutsa Stars to win the match.
According to the charge sheet, a police undercover operation was set up. A police official, posing as the referee, met Setshedi in a hotel room. Setshedi was arrested in the room after giving him the bribe money.
SAFA president Kirsten Nematandani said Setshedi's conviction would send out a clear message to "other potential corrupt elements". "This is a strong message to anyone who might intend to tarnish the good name of the sport through match fixing or other behaviour.
"We would like to warn other potential criminals that the long arm of the law would not spare anyone," Nematandani said.
The matter was postponed to February 11 for pre-sentence hearings.
Setshedi was assistant coach to Bafana Bafana when they won the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations.
He also coached local soccer giants Orlando Pirates.
