Zakes’s Sports Corner learned from one of the football administrators that the play-offs indeed took place at Ratanda Stadium in Heidelberg over the weekend. Really!
The play-offs were postponed on more than two occasions due to the fact that two LFAs, namely Emfuleni Local Football Association and Midvaal Local Football, registered players outside SAFA’s window period.
As this is not enough, two letters were sent with the first one stating that the two LFAs will not participate in the play-offs.
The second letter from SAFA Sedibeng President Solly Mkhabela stated that the play-offs will take place on August 31 and September 31.
The question is: why were these two LFAs allowed to participate in the play-offs if they were guilty for registering players outside of the window period? What does the SAFA rules and constitution say about this?
This decision has left a sour taste in many local football administrators’ mouth. How can this be allowed in our football? It is criminal, if indeed the two LFAs registered their players outside the window period.
So, is no one going to hold these two LFAs accountable for their action? It is very interesting why in the first place Mkhabela would allow the two LFAs to participate in the play-offs taking into consideration what happened?
What kind of message are you sending as the custodian of our regional football?
However, Zakes’ Sports Corner doesn’t blame Mkhabela for his decision, but rather those whose silence is too LOUD about this matter.
It is criminal to allow the LFAs who didn’t comply with SAFA rules to compete at the Inter Regional Play-offs. Zakes’ Sports Corner would expect the football administrators to challenge this, but NO, their silence is deafening.
The two LFAs should not be allowed to participate in the play-offs if indeed they failed to comply with SAFA uniform rules. How so? Or is it the case of living in a country where you can commit a crime but nothing will happen?
The truth of the matter is that we don’t have football administrators in this region, especially ones who understand the SAFA constitution.
The only thing they are concerned with are positions, but they can’t run football. Did Zakes’ Sports Corner hear somebody saying: “we know Zakes doesn’t like us”. Really, “don’t like you.” Zakes’ Sports Corner has nothing to do with this comedy that is happening in our local football.
This is the problem when the blind leads the blind! It is no secret that the LFAs are non-functioning, including SAFA Sedibeng. These people have overstayed their visit in the office.
Dear Sir/Madam, can you do the honourable thing and just leave our football before more damage gets done. You have zero interest in the development of football in this region.
Zakes’ Sports Corner hope you will find this letter in order as it is not a personal attack, but Zakes’ Sports Corner grew up in the football community with the understanding that football is not bigger than individuals.