Bafana Bafana head coach Molefi Ntseki has issued an emotional statement about xenophobia in the country following Zambia’s cancellation of a friendly clash against South Africa.
Bafana were set to face Chipolopolo in an international friendly in Lusaka on Saturday, but the match was cancelled over the spate of violent attacks on foreigners in South Africa.
“It is very worrying, it is an unfortunate situation and we tend to forget that we are all Africans and we are all human beings and to take someone’s life is not acceptable,” Ntseki said in a statement issued by the South African Football Association.
“I think we must be united as Africans, let’s protect each other. Africans are loving people and we need to reciprocate that love. Taking someone’s life or having these xenophobic riots is not good for Africa; so I am appealing to everyone that as Africans, let us be one, let us be united and let us have peace in Africa and when we have peace in Africa, we prosper as Africans.
“For us to play Zambia, it was an important match and we also wanted to strengthen relationships between the two countries not only on the football front but on every aspect of social life. But with all what is happening, we are all disappointed because we really wanted to play against our brothers from Zambia and at the same time, prepare our teams for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers.
“This is a very unfortunate situation and I would like to tell Zambians that we love them, they are our brothers and sisters, and something like this (xenophobic attacks) must never happen again.”
Following Zambia’s cancellation of the match, South Africa will now take on Madagascar at Orlando Stadium on Saturday instead.