Former Zebras forward player, Joel Mogorosi said he would not participate in the scheduled tournament without giving much reason. The event is meant for charity and pits the Zebras’ 2012 Africa Cup of Nations squad against Bafana Bafana legends. The Clash of Legends tournament will be played at the National Stadium on June 17.
The tournament is set to give back to the community with its main beneficiaries being injured former Zebras players, amputee, Malepa ‘Chippa’ Bolelang, wheelchair-bound, Mosimanegape ‘Twizzer’ Ramoshibidu and Moemedi ‘Jomo’ Moatlhaping, who reportedly suffered a stroke. The trio has had their football career impacted by injuries off the field and their former teammates are looking to assist.
The festivities would also include a coaching clinic and cooperate social responsibility exercise in one of the schools in Tlokweng by the legends from both countries.
As the fans readied to see their yesteryear stars dust off their boots and return to the pitch, Mogorosi this week announced that he will not be part of the event. In a social media post on Tuesday, the former attacker dissociated himself and his brand from the tournament. He further threatened the Clash of Legends tournament to desist from using his name and images for advertisement purposes.
Speaking to Mmegi Sport on Wednesday, Mogorosi hinted that he could not find common ground with the organising team. “Nna, I can't say much tota fela it's just gore gakee go tshameka, nothing much. People can insult me and all that it's just how they feel nna am not gonna insult anyone I will take it as it is. I have been there many times,” Mogorosi said.
Mmegi Sport is aware that a few other players will not participate in the one-day tournament. Diphetogo Selolwane, Mogogi Gabonamang and Modiri Marumo are among those who will not play against their South African counterparts. The tournament coordinator, Sekhana Koko said they have resorted to including former Zebras players rather than restricting the game to the 2012 squad members. Koko further said the withdrawals vary in reasoning and he did not divulge details.
“In life, we do not agree, everyone has their own reasons. If one of us comes up with an initiative and the other feels it is not going to work for me, so I do not feel it is a problem.
“A lot agree with us and to be honest it is not a lot that declined. We are still in the purpose and the people will come to watch their former players. Actually, we would have liked to have the 2012 squad but we failed so we have filled in here and there with other former Zebras players,” Koko said.
As of Wednesday, only four names were announced for the tournament in South African goalkeepers, Moeneeb Josephs and Brian Baloyi and the local duo of Kagiso Tshelametsi and Noah Maposa. Koko said more names will be unveiled from yesterday (Thursday) with final announcements expected today (Friday).
