Former PSL referee and Chairman of the Zama Zama Sports Challenge tournament Victor Hlungwane has accepted the apology issued by ex-Venda Football Academy striker Rophney Hlungwane.
‘Rover’ as he is affectionately known caused chaos during the Zama Zama final at KYD Ground, Giyani 14b on New Year’s Eve.
He and his club stormed into the pitch in protest of a referee’s decision and caused the whole tournament to be abandoned.
The incident caused embarrassment for Victor Hlungwane and the organizers in front of their sponsors and the invited guests. This includes Limpopo MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Basikopo Makamu.
For his actions ‘Rover’ receives a 10-year ban from participating in the tournament. His team Ngove Maspala FC gets a 5 year ban and a fine of R20 000, half suspended.
Upon realising the mess, he caused, the 30-year-old has since issued an apology to Hlungwane and the Zama crew.
FULL ROPHNEY ‘ROVER’ HLUNGWANE APOLOGY
Dear, Mr Victor Hlungwani
Cc: Zama Zama management.
Cc: All Zama Zama Sponsorships.
I Rophney Hlungwane, a player of Ngove masipala the team that participated in final match of Zama Zama tournament on the 31 December 2022 between Ngove masipala and Nkomo phunya FC at KYD Ground, Giyani 14b on New Year’s Eve.
Firstly, I write this letter to express my sincere apology to Mr Victor Hlungwani and the entire Zama Zama management for my actions/behaviour that led this biggest tournament in Limpopo to be cancelled.
Secondly, I send my apology to all Media houses, Dignitaries, sponsorships and everyone supported the tournament:
Mr Casper Mbombi
TM Chauke
Noza foundation
Mr Howard Mashaba
Dr Muxe Chavalala
Chiefs and indunas
Greater Giyani municipality
SAFA Mopani region
All the teams Participated in the Zama Zama tournament.
I hope you accept my apology and forgive me of my actions, the harsh words from my mouth. Were also totally wrong. As a professional footballer and role model to young players, I should have calmed the situation in a professional way than I did. The way I acted in the final match that led the tournament to be cancelled/stopped pending disciplinary that was delivered during the week where I’ve been found guilty and suspended.
Upon refelection on what happened in the Final match between my team and Nkomo Phunya Fc. I send my deepest apologies to everyone affected by my actions and behaviour and all the teams that participated in the Zama Zama tournament. I strongly condemn my behaviour.
Yours faithfully
Rophney Hlungwane.
VICTOR HLUNGWANE ACCEPTS APOLOGY
In accepting the apology, Zama Zama founder Victor Hlungwani says ‘Rover’ needs
“I wanted him to apologize face to face with my committee present. We felt the pain of organizing a closing ceremony, invited guests, sponsors, Greater Giyani Municipality and our beloved spectators all over. The apology is accepted and we forgive him for his actions,” read a statement from Hlungwani.
“We will get time to teach him the Fifa fair play code: “Fair play means respect, respect your teammates, opponents, referees, officials, sponsors and spectators,” he said.
