Saintfiet to file racism complaint against Nigeria coach

MALAWI’S Flames coach Tom Saintfiet has reiterated that he will this week report his Nigeria counterpart Stephen Keshi to Fifa “for his racist” remarks.Saintfiet said his lawyers back home in Belgium had taken up the matter with the support of the Football Association of Malawi (FAM).

“I have the full support and cooperation of the football association as we have one goal and one objective,” the Belgian told state broadcaster Radio 2 FM yesterday.

Saintfiet has reservations with the venue of the Flames’ next World Cup qualifier against the Eagles in Calabar, saying it is unsafe to earn Keshi’s wrath.

The UK-based African TV show, Vox Africa’s Sports360 , quoted the Nigeria coach as saying: “I think the coach of Malawi is crazy. If he wants to talk to Fifa, he should go back to Belgium. He is not an African person, he is a white dude, he should go back to Belgium,” Keshi said.

Meanwhile, Andile Jali has been included in the Orlando Pirates squad for their trip to Egypt this week despite missing the MTN8 1-0 victory over Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday.

Coach Roger de Sa has confirmed that the nuggety midfielder will be part of the traveling party for the weekend African Champions League match against Cairo giants Zamalek.

Jali received a heavy blow to the thigh when Pirates beat Zamalek 4-1 at the Orlando Stadium just over a week ago and was forced to miss Saturday’s semifinal, first leg tie against arch rivals Chiefs at FNB Stadium.

His replacement in the heart of the midfield Lehlohonolo Masalesa was named man of the match. Pirates are up against Zamalek in the return match in Group A at El Gouna on Sunday.

Pirates leave for Egypt today, having been advised to travel before the end of the week when violence in Egypt tends to escalate. The country is embroiled in civil strife since last month’s military coup d’etat.

Pirates will be without Collins Mbesuma, whose ankle injury is more serious than already thought, and is likely to be out for several weeks.
Also missing is Thandani Ntshumaleyo, who scored on Pirates last trip to Egypt. He broke a foot in his bone and De Sa said he reckoned any comeback would take at least seven weeks for the diminutive midfielder.-Supersport.