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Raymond Jaravaza
WHAT a disgrace!
From a celebrated top-flight football midfielder to being banned from playing social soccer matches, thata��s the story of former TP Mazembe player Mthulisi Maphosa.
Maphosa found himself on the wrong side of the Bulawayo Social Soccer Leaguea��s (BSSL) rules and regulations when he allegedly assaulted a referee before a match between Emakhandeni United and Skippers FC game.
The match was part of the leaguea��s Easter Holidays Tournament.
The BSSL is a 44-team association that is made up of clubs dotted around Bulawayo.
On the day in question the ex-Highlanders midfielder allegedly assaulted referee Roger Dube for refusing to clear him to take part in the tourney.
Part of Dubea��s match report that B-Metro Sport gleaned reads:
a�?Mthulisi Maphosa was vetted out before the Emakhandeni United versus Skippers FC match because he didna��t meet one of BSSLa��s rules but he refused to leave the field thereby delaying the match for over 30 minutes.
a�?When I told him that I would call off the match if he didna��t leave the pitch, Mthulisi Maphosa charged at me, accusing me of being an Emakhandeni United supporter. He proceeded to assault me while bragging that he is well known at West Com (Western Commonage Magistrate Courts) for assaulting peoplea�?.
While downplaying the assault charge against Maphosa, BSSL chairman only identified as Khanye confirmed that the ex-Premier Soccer League player had been banned.
a�?I dona��t want to comment on the assault accusations against Mthulisi Maphosa but ita��s true that he has been banned for a year from social soccer matches organised under the BSSL banner.
a�?He is fresh from Division One (with Bulawayo Chiefs last year) and he is only eligible to play in our league next year. Thata��s just part of our rules,a�? said Khanye.
The BSSL features a number of retired PSL players.
Maphosa is not new to controversy.
In 2011 he stabbed Isaac Mazambane with a knife in the abdomen after an altercation between the two in Mpopoma suburb.
He escaped possible jail time when the victim withdrew charges opting for an out of court settlement.
Maphosa could not be reached forA� comment on the latest assault allegations. . .
Online Reporter