Thalente Mbatha has addressed allegations that he was suspended by Orlando Pirates for attending training under the influence of alcohol.
Recent reporting suggested that the Bafana Bafana midfielder was being investigated by Pirates for his behaviour.
But Mbatha has since refuted those claims, while the player’s agent Mike Makaab wants an apology for the comments.
The player said on IOL: “They said I’m not training. You’re listening to everything. I just came back from training. I don’t know a thing about being suspended. People can say whatever about me, but I’m coming from training.
“I’ll see you tomorrow guys [against Golden Arrows]. I guess the person who started all this knows better. I guess he’s the one who hired me, he’s the owner.”
Makaab posted on social media: “It is deeply disappointing to see defamatory and unfounded allegations being made about a professional footballer’s character and conduct.
“The claim that Thalente Mbatha arrived at training under the influence is completely false. Thalente was injured and has since resumed training with his team. Any suggestion that his absence was due to serious misconduct is not only damaging to his reputation but also defamatory.
“We demand a public apology on social media to the player, his family, and his club. Should this not be forthcoming, we reserve all rights to pursue appropriate legal action. Freedom of speech is a cornerstone of democracy, but it does not extend to the spread of baseless falsehoods that harm an individual’s reputation.”
Pirates play Golden Arrows in their next match on Wednesday.