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Cape Town - Orlando Pirates striker Thamsanqa Gabuza has apologised to the club's supporters for his controversial celebration after scoring in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals against Free State Stars.
Gabuza was booked by the referee for his provoking gesture towards the crowd, after scoring the fourth goal in their 4-2 win over Ea Lla Koto at Goble Park on Saturday.
"I know what I did was wrong. I acted out of frustration and lost sight of what was important, which is the Orlando Pirates brand and its supporters," the 28-year-old told his club's official website.
"I think the match referee acted accordingly because I deserved the yellow card and I would like to apologise to the Orlando Pirates supporters and the entire football fraternity for that unsavoury celebration.
"I respect our supporters who follow the team all over the country and who braved the adverse weather conditions on Saturday to inspire us to a win when we were at our lowest. Our supporters deserve better than that; I promise not to do it again.
"I always want to do well for the team and for me the best way to do that is to score goals. I have obviously been missing my chances now of late which made me feel bad and those feelings were compounded by all the negative attention I have been subjected to.
"So when the goal came I was not even thinking about the supporters or how the celebration would be perceived. I was just relieved to finally score, however the celebration was completely unnecessary and such behaviour is unjustifiable.
"I realise that the celebration was perceived negatively and I would like to again extend my sincere apology to the entire Orlando Pirates family, my team-mates and most importantly the Orlando Pirates supporters."
