SSN ask Chiefs, Pirates to withdraw from tournament

Cape Town - The Swaziland Solidary Network (SSN) met with the Chairman of Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates Football Clubs respectively to appeal to the clubs to withdraw from their forthcoming off-season soccer tournament in Swaziland.

According to Kaizer Chiefs website, the SSN expressed their concern that the Swaziland government would use this tournament for 'political posturing'.

Kaizer Motaung and Irvin Khoza, stated that whereas the clubs operate in an environment affected by politics, they cannot use the game to pursue political agendas. However, the two teams support democracy and respect human rights.

Both Chairmen explained to the SSN that the tournament was organised as an initiative of the clubs for the benefit of soccer development in the region and to use the unifying power of the beautiful game in response to the xenophobic challenges that resurfaced in South Africa.

The Club Chairmen agreed to meet with the SSN after they have sought advice and clarity from the political leadership in South Africa.

Given the advanced stage in the planning of the tournament and the contractual obligations on the clubs it was agreed that the follow up meeting will happen when the two clubs return from Swaziland.