adminReports late last week in Zimbabwe suggested that Mwanjali, Bidvest Wits defender Thomas Sweswe and Black Leopards coach Sunday Chidzambwa are among the 15 players and officials handed life bans by Zifa.
The bans are expected to have a worldwide effect, once enforced by Fifa.
Sixteen others have allegedly been exonerated by the Independent Ethics Committee, including Sundowns striker Nyasha Mushekwi, who volunteered information in the investigation, Energy Murambadoro, Lincoln Zvasiya, Kingston Nkhatha (both Kaizer Chiefs) and Cuthbert Malajila (Maritzburg United).
In a statement on their website, however, Sundowns report Mwanjali as saying he was “never involved in any match fixing in his entire life”, and insist they will assist him to clear his name.
“Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club have noted reports that the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) has imposed a life ban on central defender Method Mwanjali, following the conclusion of their investigation into match fixing allegations,” the statement reads.
“Sundowns have not received any official communication in this regard from the Premier Soccer League (PSL), and will await such communication. However, the club has had discussions with the player and Mwanjali maintains that he is innocent and will exercise all the rights he is entitled to in terms of the rules.
“The player says he is being used as a scapegoat in the affairs of Zifa and strongly denied that he was ever involved in any match fixing in his entire life.
“Mamelodi Sundowns will provide the player with all the necessary support in his bid to clear his name”. — Kickoff.com
derick.khumalo
Online Reporter