AmaZulu striker Cele accused of age cheating
Mhlengi Cele, who played for Thanda Royal Zulu last season, is allegedly using his younger brother’s identity.
Mhlengi Cele in action for Thanda Royal Zulu (Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix)
Quoting a source, Sunday Sun reports that Mhlengi’s real name is Lindani Cele and he is said to be 33 years old.
The unnamed source claimed the name Mhlengi belonged to his 29-year-old brother.
“It’s known that Lindani is his real name. We went to school with him. So, when he got a contract to play for a Premier Soccer League team, he chose to change his identity to that of his younger brother. Sometimes, he even forgets that he’s now using his younger brother’s identity and corrects us when we call him Mhlengi instead of Lindani,” the source is quoted as saying.
“It’s wrong to lie about your age. Age cheating is killing our football. He must use his original age and stop this nonsense.”
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When called to comment, Mhlengi said: “Yes, my real name is Lindani. There’s a reason why this happened. Please, call me after 2pm, I’m in a meeting. I’ll explain everything.”
Mhlengi is not the first player to be accused of age cheating.
The late Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa was also accused of it shortly after his death.
Former Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns Benedict Vilakazi was also accused of using his younger brother’s identity.
