Moorosi Tsiane
BANTU president Leuta John Leuta says star defender, Motlomelo Mkhwanazi, deserves the club’s support to save his career which is slowly taking a wrong turn.
The stocky defender made headlines a fortnight ago for assaulting his pregnant wife and stabbing his mother. He was eventually dragged to the Hlotse Magistrate’s Court for the assault case.
Leuta said the club was has been alerted about the player’s situation and was in constant communication with him.
He said they have also started procedures that will lead to the player facing disciplinary action.
“I was made aware of his issues and we have apologised to our sponsors whose names have been affected by his actions,” Leuta said.
“However, he is our player and we will not desert him especially at this time.
“It must also be clear that we do not condone his actions and we are assembling a disciplinary committee that will deal with his matter. We have been in constant communication with him and once the court processes are finalised the club will also mete out its punishment.”
The Bantu boss said they were also organising some therapy sessions for the players who seem to have been affected by the long lockdown period.
“We have learnt that some of the players have been affected negatively by the long break and because they are idle, they will end up involved in all kinds of problems. So, we need to find a way of helping them get over the stress.”
He also said they would soon find Mkhwanazi alternative accommodation so that he leaves his Maputsoe home which they think could be fueling his violent behaviour.
“I also think that place influences his negative behaviour, so we need to find him a better place once all this is over.
“He is still our player and we will not give up on him because we feel we need to save that talent. We also feel he still has a lot to offer as a player. He must just work on his attitude and discipline. He must resolve his off-the field problems and we are willing to help him as soon as he has completed the court processes,” Leuta said.