Gabuza apologises, blames ‘frustration’
But Pirates striker could still face league’s wrath
Thamsanqa Gabuza on Wednesday issued a passionate apology following his inexplicable behaviour during Orlando Pirates’ 2-1 win at Black Leopards on Tuesday.
Having stormed off the pitch after he had been derided by fans, a contrite Gabuza calmly issued a video message broadcast on Pirates’ Twitter account to speak about the incident which drew condemnation and sympathy alike from football circles.
“To the supporters of Orlando Pirates, I would like to apologise for what happened,” Gabuza said in the video shot at Pirates’ training ground at Rand Stadium and posted on Wednesday afternoon.
“As players we represent the team, we always want to make supporters happy. You don’t go in there to cost the team.”
The much-criticised striker, who was booed by fans after squandering what appeared to be an easy chance early in the match, explained he had grown largely frustrated as fans harangued him at Peter Mokaba Stadium.
“The incident happened because of my frustration and what I did was not right. I’m really, really sorry. I repeat: I’m really sorry,” he said.
He was surrounded by the entire Bucs squad, including coach Micho Sredojevic, who was seen restraining the player after he had taken off his shirt and thrown it into the crowd following an own goal which he had forced off Leopards defender Thivhavhudzi Ndou.
Gabuza stormed off and returned early in the second half with a strapped knee, only to be shown two yellow cards and sent off.
His apology may not prevent him from being charged by the PSL for misconduct, however.
“What would people want us to do, because I think the referee dealt with the matter‚” PSL spokesperson Lux September said. “But look‚ we’ll obviously look at what the match commissioner had to say and decide if there should be more action taken against the player.” –