The South African Football Players’ Union (SAFPU) has taken aim at former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder and outspoken pundit Junior Khanye over unfair criticism of footballers.
The union blasted him for what it described as relentless and damaging criticism of professional footballers.
SAFPU singled out what it called Khanye’s “venomous tirades” against Mamelodi Sundowns star Jayden Adams and veteran defender Thulani Hlatshwayo, who has turned out for Bidvest Wits, Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United.
The union, led by acting president Tebogo Munyai, wants a few demands from the sx-Amakhosi dribbling wizard, including an apology.
“SAFPU issues this statement as both a shield and a sword, a definitive stand against the unchecked, irresponsible and venomous tirades by Junior Khanye, directed at hard-working professional footballers such as Jayden Adams, Thulani ‘Tyson’ Hlatshwayo and many others,” the union said.
“What Khanye continues to project into the public domain is not analysis, not commentary and not critique – it is character assassination disguised as insight. It is a self-serving spectacle that reeks of bitterness, personal failure and professional envy.
“Let it be known: many of the very players he persistently maligns have accomplished more in their careers – ethically and professionally – than Mr Khanye ever did.
“His sustained assault is not rooted in footballing logic but in a pathological attempt to heal from his own unfulfilled ambitions, at the expense of those who still carry the torch of the game.
“This kind of conduct is not only morally bankrupt; it is a direct assault on the values of professionalism, respect and the spirit of the game.
“SAFPU once invited Khanye to its headquarters, where we raised these matters directly and appealed to his conscience, especially in light of a highly commercialised football space that silently perpetuates mental health burdens on many players.
“We warned his remarks pose real danger, not just to reputations, but to the well-being of individuals who bear enormous pressure.”
The union labelled Khanye’s remarks “psychological warfare,” saying such attacks amount to intellectual, emotional and reputational violence. SAFPU added that former players are welcome in the media space, but condemned any use of platforms “to discredit others for personal gain.”
Among its demands were: “A formal, public, and unequivocal apology from Khanye to Jayden Adams, Thulani Hlatshwayo and every player who has suffered under his reckless, baseless, and belittling remarks.
“The urgent adoption of editorial protocols and ethical codes by all media platforms, particularly those granting airtime to self-appointed analysts. Commentary must be grounded in truth, respect and professional insight and not tabloid theatrics.
“The mobilisation of SAFPU’s legal machinery and institutional alliances to establish impenetrable safeguards for player reputations.
“We will pursue every available recourse to ensure the profession is never again dragged through the mud by those hiding behind microphones and unregulated platforms.”