Share

Khoza: I can't condone Gabuza's actions, it was stupid

Cape Town - Orlando Pirates chairperson Irvin Khoza has labelled Thamsanqa Gabuza's actions when storming off the pitch as "stupid" but offered to help the player.

READ: WATCH: Gabuza issues apology to Pirates fans

Gabuza left the field of play forcing the Buccaneers to play with only 10 men - before being sent off - in a 2-1 over Black Leopards at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Tuesday.

In one of the most bizarre scenes to happen on a soccer pitch, the 31-year-old threw his jersey at his own booing fans - who were calling for him to be substituted - before storming off the pitch.

"I can't condone it, it was not right, it was stupid," Khoza said speaking to the Marawa Sport Worldwide radio show.

"There can't be action immediately, there must be a process. We need to understand, if this is normal behavior or is it not."

"I'm a leader that must consider a lot of other things.... I'm dealing with somebody's child... He must be dealt with in a manner that is appropriate."

"It's easy to say whatever when you are sitting and listening but we are dealing with a different situation."

Khoza added that the club would first need to check the player's mental state before any decision could be made regarding disciplinary action.

"If there is something happening with a player, then we must intervene. With this man, we are trying our best to help him. Gabuza is a nice person... he is a team player... Give us a chance to help this man."

The "Iron Duke" as he is also known though, refused to condone what happened later when the backroom staff tried to portray the player to be carrying an injury as a reason for his exit from the pitch.

"That was untidy... that was untidy. He was not injured on the pitch... but I don't know what happened in the change rooms."

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 the Proteas pick Faf du Plessis for the T20 World Cup in West Indies and the United States in June?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Faf still has a lot to give ...
67% - 904 votes
No! It's time to move on ...
33% - 439 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