SAFA suspends Sinenkani FC’s matches

The South Africa Football Association (SAFA) Eastern Cape has suspended all Sinenkani Football Club’s fixtures pending a disciplinary hearing.

The SAFA provincial executive officer, Sikelela Mtangayi, said in a letter: “This communication serves to notify Sinenkani FC’s ABC Motsepe Eastern Cape fixtures will be suspended until further notice, pending a disciplinary hearing.”

Sinenkani FC coaches and scouts were expected to evaluate two Gamalakhe United players this week.

Although it is not yet clear why the games were suspended, in a statement, the club said it was aware of the suspension of its fixtures.

The club’s chairperson, Nathi Nqoko, said they received two formal communications summoning them to appear before the SAFA EC disciplinary committee and another letter informing them of the suspension of all their games.

Nqoko said this meant that the match scheduled against Amaxesibe FC will not happen as planned this Saturday (8th).

“We wish to categorically state that we do not believe we have done anything wrong that warrants any disciplinary action against the club, and we will challenge all the charges laid against us,” he said.

He added that they have also written a formal complaint to SAFA regarding the match commissioner for the match between FC Ravens and Sinenkani FC on January 25 at Mphuthumi Mafumbatha Stadium.

Nqoko said the commissioner is allegedly the father of one of FC Ravens players, thus contravening Rule 30.1 of SAFA Competition Uniform Rules.

He said they have not received a response from SAFA EC regarding the complaint.

“We have also written to SAFA seeking clarity on the non-arrival of referees during our match against G-millionaires FC on Saturday, February 1. We call on all our supporters to remain calm as we are now in consultation with our legal team to determine a suitable response and action to the communications from SAFA EC. We will inform the nation of any further action to be taken,” he said.