Rein in Gumede: Ripper

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
RETIRED wrestler Allan “Ripper” Mpofu has called on the Highlanders’ executive and board to rein in the club’s chief executive officer Ndumiso Gumede after the veteran administrator allegedly threatened him. Speaking while unveiling new head coach Erol Akbay at the club house last week, Gumede took aim at Mpofu and insinuated that he would use a knife to stab him.

Gumede made these shocking remarks in his introduction of club treasurer Donald Ndebele. “This man here was subject(ed) to questions during the annual general meeting by one member who demanded to know why he (Ndebele) was co-opted.

“He seems to forget that public opinion and competence are two different things. He was very angry about it and had a confrontation with me. I learnt (that) he’s a former wrestler. I know he’s big, but he must be told that I grew up in Mzilikazi at R Square and it’s just because of civilisation otherwise I know how to use a knife,” said Gumede in the presence of secretary-general Emmet Ndlovu and newly elected vice-chairman Modern Ngwenya.

Mpofu described Gumede’s utterance as disturbing and an insult to residents of Mzilikazi suburb, saying he took exception to such threats and would write to the club asking it to discipline the CEO.

“We’ve a loose cannon here. How can a whole CEO make such threats against my person? I couldn’t believe it when I heard the recording. When he says he grew up in Mzilikazi and therefore knows how to use a knife, is he saying Mzilikazi residents are thugs? I’ll write to the club as a member and demand that I be protected from this man,” said Mpofu.

He said as CEO, Gumede was the face of the Highlanders Club and whatever he does or says reflects on the club in good or bad light.

“That was a press conference to introduce our coach and smuggling my name and person in there boggles the mind. Being a press conference, sponsors or potential sponsors could’ve been there and then we’ve the CEO spewing such primitive garbage.”

Ndebele reportedly reprimanded Gumede after the press conference, saying such behaviour tarnishes the image of the club.