Football personalities have condemned the xenophobia attacks that are currently happening in some parts of Gauteng.
A Bafana Bafana friendly match that was supposed to have taken place in Lusaka, Zambia this Saturday was cancelled due to the attacks.
TS Galaxy assistant coach and former Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs defender Muisi Ajao, who is a Nigerian, came out strongly against the attacks.
TS Galaxy is currently campaigning in the CAF Confederations Cup, after winning the Nedbank Cup last season. They beat Saint Louis Suns from Seychelles in the preliminary round. They won 1-0 at home and also 1-0 away from to overcome the tie 2-0 on aggregate.
Ajao says the attacks will affect the country.
Galaxy will face Madagascar team CNaPS Sport Football in the first round of the first leg on the 15th of this month in Mbombela. Goalkeeper and Captain Ludwe Mpakumpaku is also very concerned about attacks.
Former Orlando Pirates striker Jerry Sikhosana also weighed in on the attacks that have engulfed the country in the last week.
He is well known for scoring a winning goal to help Orlando Pirates clinch the CAF Champions League in 1995 against Asec Mimosa.
Bafana Bafana will now play against Madagascar in a friendly match at Orlando stadium on Saturday night (kick-off 7pm).
The Islanders did well at the recent Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, when they finished in the quarter-finals after losing to Tunisia 3-0. Sikhosana is not convinced they are worthy opponents.
Meanwhile, Sikhosana also spoke about Orlando Pirates caretaker coach Rhulani Mokwena’s performance so far since he took over from Milutin “Micho” Srejodevic, who has since joined Egyptian giants Zamalek.
Mokwena is still looking for his first victory in four matches. Sikhosana says the young coach must be given a chance. – Report by Vincent Sitsula
