This follows the public outcry by the Minister of Sport Fikile Mbalula last week to declare “war” on SAFA head honchos for mis-informing the public that the national team has qualified for the AFCON 2012.
First to take the ‘stand’ was SAFA President, Kirsten Nematandani, who is synonymous with diplomatic behaviour but has suddenly grown lines on his face as a result of the saga, said he would like to unreservedly apologise to the entire nation.
“As the President of the National Association, I would like to own up and say we are profoundly sorry for letting the nation down. The association believes that given the available resources and talent in South Africa, the failure was inexcusable. This is the second consecutive time Bafana Bafana have failed to qualify for the AFCON finals following the Angola 2010 disappointment. We will use our best endeavours to ensure that this does not happen again.
The failure by members of our technical team to acquaint themselves with some of the CAF rules is unacceptable and we will look into our internal structures to make sure people are held accountable and that such glaring errors are not repeated in future. The CEO will give a detailed report on what action SAFA will take to effectively deal with the matter.”
The press conference also noted the absence of head-coach Pitso Mosimane, whom by law was supposed to make a statement.
However, the apology was read on his behalf by CEO Dr Robin Petersen.
Dr Robinson said, the best way to address this situation would be to withdraw the appeal, and will not pursue any other legal route that might have been open to us and they will submit concerns around Rule 14 to CAF and ask them to address these at an appropriate forum.
As for corrective measures, Robinson said, they have begun the process to internally investigate all parties involved regarding the mistakes made.
How cynical of SAFA for pursuing this route following the slandering from the Minister.
So, this is how it’s going to be whenever, there’s a crisis the Minister would be compelled to intervene.
The question is what are those hired people with ‘big-tummies’ mandates?
Did I hear someone say DEADWOODS…
