Benny's Care to face disciplinary hearing after assault charges

Benny’s Care's players and officials will have to face a disciplinary hearing and answer charges that they had assaulted a referee during a SAFA Vhembe Hollywood Bets Stream E league match played at Tshiozwi on Saturday.

The altercation occurred during the match between the log leaders, Muraleni United, and Benny’s Care. According to the referee’s report, the match started well, with both teams fighting for superiority. The score was 1-1 when violence erupted in the 43^rd minute.

Benny’s Care’s players, along with the coach, allegedly confronted the referee, Mr Geron Kutama, after he had issued a red card to Benny’s captain, Kevin Mahangwahaya. They refused to accept that he was being penalised for a second bookable offence. Kutama stood by his decision, but the situation turned nasty when Benny’s coach allegedly hit the referee with his fists on the forehead.

Kutama stated in his report that he had had no other option but to stop the game as he had felt threatened. After the match, Benny’s Care coach, Mr Mbishi Mokoena, expressed shock and disappointment at the referee's decisions during the game. He mentioned that losing a match in such a manner was demoralising for both players and the technical staff.

SAFA Vhembe’s secretary, Mr. Sam Matodzi, stated that he was still waiting for reports from both teams, the referee, and the assistant referees. "Once we receive these reports, Benny’s Care will have to appear before a disciplinary hearing, and they will be charged for the abandonment of the game and assaulting the referee," said Matodzi. He expressed concern about the incident, emphasising the desire for players to use soccer as a form of entertainment and create friendships with each other.

Date:14 December 2023

By: Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.

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