OMPHITLHETSE MOOKI AND LEBOGANG SEALE
ORLANDO Pirates may take action against Andile Jali and Ndumiso Mabena, even though their assault case was withdrawn in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
The players were arrested after Kagisho Molora, 26, laid a charge alleging that the two players punched him outside the News Café in Woodmead, Sandton, at 1am on Saturday. They were arrested the same day.
Pirates spokesman Mickey Modisane said the matter had been referred to the team administrator, who would meet the technical team to decide what course of action to take.
“Obviously it’s a concern for us. Some of the conduct off the field is unwarranted and the players cannot be associated with such reports,” he said.
Pirates boss Irvin Khoza recently voiced his concern about the lack of discipline among his players.
Some Pirates players were reported to have turned their residence in Buccleuch, near Woodmead, into a party haven. Khoza’s comments followed a string of poor results by the PSL defending champions.
“We can only pray for them… If they are partying, it’s time for introspection on their part,” Khoza told the Sowetan. “They chose football as a career and if they don’t have the intelligence to take care of themselves, then it’s their problem.
“They will want to come back to us and blame us when they are beggars on the streets. You have to know the rules and the rule is to respect your profession.”
Flanked by Pirates officials, Jali and Mabena were hauled to the Randburg Magistrate’s Court by an Accenture employee following the squabble.
Molora then opened a case of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm at the Sandton police station. The two players were arrested, but later released on R1 000 bail each.
They then laid counter claims of assault against Molora. But before the proceedings started, the lawyers had mediated a settlement and the charges were dropped. “There’s nothing to pursue and we can’t waste the court’s time,” said Molora’s lawyer, Walter Nabane.