Mohlala defends Motsepe against criticism

DURBAN – Former Mamelodi Sundowns star Lovers Mohlala has defended CAF President Patrice Motsepe against criticism for financing local football.

Motsepe, alongside PSL Chairman Irvin Khoza, announced on Friday that the Motsepe Foundation had replaced GladAfrica as the national first division sponsor.

Mohlala says Motsepe should be commended for putting his money where his mouth is.

“We cannot say our football is becoming a monopoly when there are corporates who are not willing to release funds,” Mohlala told KickOff.

“I mean, there are other people who also own minefields, but are not willing to sponsor local sport.

“So why stop Motsepe from being in love with football?

“People are quick to talk and judge, and those who are talking are not putting anything on the table themselves.

“I don’t see a problem if somebody shares his wealth.

“There are people who are richer than Motsepe, there’s a rich guy in Zimbabwe that I saw in Forbes, what is he doing in Zimbabwe? Nothing.

“Let’s enjoy that Motsepe is still alive, let’s celebrate

Motsepe while he is still alive.

“He is becoming an icon that doesn’t only care about mining, he wants to leave a legacy.

“Rich people choose to spend their money at Konka, Motsepe doesn’t go to Konka, he doesn’t spend any cent at Konka.

“My wish is to see him sponsoring junior leagues as this is where we are lacking.

“God willing, Motsepe can still become the president of SAFA, if not then the president of South Africa.

“I think Motsepe cares about South Africans. There was a disaster in KZN where he contributed R30 million.

“Some people are talking too much.”