Posted in News on Oct 27, 2006.
Before I entertain such matters, it is important to appreciate your constant support throughout the Supa 8 Cup final. Your presence and the manner in which you conducted yourselves was indeed a perfect encouragement to the entire team. There is no doubt that we won both on the field and stands!
Well, whilst I acknowledge the urgency with which we need to disseminate information, it is equally important to exercise some patience lest we are forced to bungle certain legal processes of each case mentioned above.
Secondly, you must realize that the urgency of our communications is contingent upon getting as much material, fact and truth to avail substantive information. Otherwise it becomes somewhat of a problem to assume that information will be passed without a careful plan and strategic contextualisation of its message. Be that as it may, a brief update is essential to keep you posted and hopefully cushion your fears and expectations.
In as far as Mr. Zothwane is concerned, it is important to note that the sensitivity of the legal process prevents us from making any incriminating statement on the matter. Secondly, we have reached an agreement with his legal team not to entertain the matter since it concerns his accusers and them.
Therefore, essentially, we are awaiting the outcome of the arbitration process before we could state any message whatsoever. Our hope is that all parties involved will act in the best interest of a player whose passion for football is currently entrusted in the hands of those that will argue in his favour. Our role is to constantly support him and pray that his dream is fulfilled.
In as far as the investigations of the Chiefs/Wits match are concerned, the process has been officially handed to the Management of the FNB Stadium to pursue. Currently, FNB has opened criminal charges against perpetrators that were identified through pictorial evidence we provided.
Thanks to the Office of the Supporters Relations Manager, and those that were willing to help with investigations, we were able to compile a list of leads and contacts that proved vital to the case. We are still awaiting more evidence so that we demonstrate our unfailing determination to rid ourselves of such characters in our family.
Apart from providing evidence, we embarked on an effective media campaign that carried a strong message of war against hooligans. Our meetings with supporters at various venues continue to consolidate such a campaign that will run its course until the end of the season. In addition, our Chairman has personally expressed his condemnation of those that were responsible for dragging our team into such an unbecoming situation.
Whilst these persisted, I must say it was difficult to get identities of the culprits despite making and following several leads from our supporters. The challenge we faced was that most supporters that were able to identify some culprits found it uncomfortable to provide names and help the investigation process.
Management was therefore disturbed by such betrayal that has essentially made us look incapable of controlling and relying on our supporters for help. This has however taught us a lesson to immediately reorganise our branch structures that would effectively be resuscitated after all matters around supporters cards are sorted out. It is just a matter of time before we introduce a membership card that will blow every football loving supporters’ mind. Watch this space!
Otherwise thanks. I hope to meet you at the game against Wits on Saturday 28th October at the FNB Stadium. It is important to note that the game starts at 15:45 because of the heatwave. In addition, it is important to turn in big numbers to paint the Johannesburg Stadium gold and black as we tackle one of our enemies, Wits University. I was informed that TELKOM has lined up an interesting programme with numerous offerings being the cherrie on top!
So, don’t miss out! Be part of the fun!
Till next time! KHOSI 4 LIFE!
Thebe Mohatle (Mr)
Communications Manager/PRO
