Share

'Ajax broke SAFA-PSL accord'

Johannesburg - Ajax Cape Town broke the accord agreement between Safa and the Premier Soccer League (PSL) to assist Bafana Bafana wherever possible.

This was the view expressed by Kaizer Chiefs chairman Kaizer Motaung on Friday, a day after withdrawing three of their players from the friendly international against Tanzania on Saturday.

He said that Chiefs had little option in doing so with Ajax having made their players not available for Bafana Bafana's friendly against Tanzania this weekend.

Motaung said that Chiefs withdrew players "in order to keep the playing field level for the crucial league deciding title games next Saturday".

"Frankly, I don't think it was necessary for either Ajax or Chiefs players to be withdrawn from the game," said Motaung.

"The players would have been back from Tanzania on Sunday - a full six days before the championship deciders."

Motaung added that his team was backed "into a corner" and had to withdraw the three players in order to prevent Ajax from enjoying an unfair advantage.

"There is always the outside possibility of injuries, but there is also the interests of the national team to take into account before the important Nations Cup qualifier against Egypt next month.

"This is something that Ajax seemed to forget in their quest for a first league title."

Motaung, however, faulted Safa for informing the players to report to the Bafana camp before notifying the club.

"This was against all standard protocol and procedures," Motaung said.

Regarding next weekend's Premiership deciders, Motaung said Chiefs were under no illusions that they had only a glimmer of hope, with Ajax needing to lose their final fixture, Orlando Pirates to draw and for Amakhosi to beat AmaZulu.

"But funny things happen in soccer," said Motaung.

"We intend to fight to the bitter end - and with the playing fields level."

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% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2245 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