‘Corruption is rife’

Corruption in the ABC Motsepe League will never end unless officials receive the allowance that is supposed to be coming from the league’s sponsors, says a source in the league structures. The source has alleged that referees tend to sell out games in the league in order to make money since the South African Football Association is not giving them the allowances which are due to them. “Matchfixing will never stop until Safa does the right thing,” said the source. “We know that the league’s sponsor, which is the Motsepe Foundation, allocates money for referees to get an allowance, but the money is not coming. The question is, where is it going to end? Referees only get travel allowances during match days and to be honest, that’s nothing because it’s the same money which comes from their own pockets. It’s like they are just getting reimbursed for coming to the games. Safa is given money by the foundation to pay match officials, but they are not getting it, so where is it going? This thing has been going on for ages now and I don’t think it’s going to stop anytime soon. It’s about time the referees stood up for themselves,” said the source.

Mweene aiming for the magic 40

Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene (above) wants to play beyond the age of 40 and has not even begun to contemplate about retirement as he turns 35 in December. Mweene is understood to be targeting the record for the oldest player in the top flight which is held by Bafana Bafana legend Andre Arendse who turned out for Bidvest Wits at the age of 46 back in 2013. “The guy has got it in him to go beyond 40 and he looks as fit as the players who play regularly at Sundowns. The club loves and respects him but maybe he might have to leave to continue his career elsewhere,” said a source.

Blessing in disguise for Litabe

Phakaaathi has learnt that the sacking by Royal Eagles of then club captain Karabo Litabe (above) may be a blessing in disguise as he has already had other teams asking about his availability. Litabe was one of the eight players fired by Eagles last week but he could be joining AmaZulu FC, according to Phakaaathi sources. “I had heard AmaZulu were looking at him with the intention of making an offer as they want a right back. So I guess it will now be easier for them because he is unattached and can join them immediately as soon as he gets his clearance from Eagles,” said a source.

Mokoena’s future uncertain

Several Absa Premiership sides are said to have shown interest in SuperSport United midfielder Teboho Mokoena (above), but the club will only sell him if he goes overseas, a source has claimed. Early this year, Mokwena was said to be going for a trial to a club in France, but it never materialised. “I am not sure why it didn’t happen, but he was supposed to go to France. There have been a number of teams interested in him for years now, but the club won’t sell him to a local team, they have made it very clear. It is the same with other young players,” said the source.