SAFA comment on violent clashes after gunshots fired at Harry Gwala

SAFA made a statement on the violent incidents that occurred during Friday’s ABC Motsepe League Play-Off semifinals.

After Orbit College defeated Umsinga United in the second semi-final to earn a position in the Motsepe Foundation Championship for the upcoming season, some unpleasant situations reportedly erupted.

SAFA comment on violent clashes

ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs Day 4

Ugly scenes at Harry Gwala Stadium as supporters invade the pitch after the game and shots get fired!!

FT: Msinga United (KZN) 0 – 1 Orbit College (NW)#ABCMotsepeLeagueNationalPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/eiW3n2QPjk

— Football Stage (@Football__Stage) June 9, 2023

Details surrounding the clash are nebulous at this stage but SAFA has pledged a full investigation.

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 The organization that oversees football has denounced the alleged altercation’s ferocity and said it will look into it further in a stament issued late on Friday evening: “The South African Football Association (SAFA) strongly condemns the violent acts of hooliganism and thuggery that took place during the ABC Motsepe National Playoffs semi-finals on Friday (9 June 2023) afternoon in Pietermaritzburg.

WATCH: Here is the incident where violent fans of Umsinga United FC opened fire on officials and players after their loss to Orbit College FC. The ABC Motsepe League playoff game was played at Harry Gwala stadium in Pietermaritzburg today. Video: Siboniso Mqadi/Inanda FM pic.twitter.com/clWPKVNAOu

— Sihle Mavuso (@ZANewsFlash) June 9, 2023

“The chaotic scenes took place at the end of a semi-final match between Umsinga United and Orbit College at Harry Gwala Stadium on Friday. We have asked security and the referee for a full report and we will prioritise the investigation into this incident.

“We will vigorously pursue this matter and any individual or club that is found to be guilty will be banned for these senseless acts. Such hooliganism has no place in football.”

𝗨𝗚𝗟𝗬 𝗦𝗖𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗦

Uncontrollable Umsinga United [KZN] fans flocked onto the pitch posing security concerns for players after their team lost 1-0 to Orbit College [NW] in the semifinals of the #ABCMotsepeNationalPalyoffs at Harry Gwala Stadium on Friday afternoon.#FARPost pic.twitter.com/cVUplbxQFf

— FARPost_ZA (@FARPostZA) June 9, 2023

Promotion secured

Orbit College will go on to face Upington City National first division Play-Off final on Sunday.

A 74th-minute strike in the semi-final also secured Orbit College FC promotion to the second tier with both teams that reach the final this season going up.

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