CAPE TOWN – He wasn’t booked by referee Victor Gomes, but Free State Stars midfielder Makhehleni Makhaula has apologised to Kaizer Chiefs counterpart Joseph Molangoane for breaking his leg.
Makhaula beat Molangoane to the ball during the MTN8 quarter-final at FNB Stadium on Saturday, but in his follow-through, his foot landed on the Amakhosi player’s right ankle.
The 30-year-old Molangoane knew immediately that the injury was serious as he stayed down, and received treatment on the pitch before being taken off on a stretcher.
The Chiefs medical team has since confirmed that Molangoane’s leg was broken in two places, and that he would undergo an operation.
Remarkably, referee Gomes decided that the incident didn’t warrant any card to Makhaula, but the Ea Lla Koto player issued a statement on Monday to express his remorse for the tackle.
Kaizer Chiefs and Free State Stars players argue after the horrific injury to Joseph Molangoane on Saturday. Photo: Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
“From my bottom of my heart, I did not intend to do and cause any harm to him, therefore I wish him a speedy recovery,” he said.
Free State Stars as a club also sent well wishes to Molangoane.
“The entire Free State Stars family management, technical team, supporter and more especially Makhehleni would like to wish ‘Tight’, as Molangoane is affectionately known, a very speedy recovery.”
Chiefs won the match 3-0 and will face defending champions SuperSport United in the first leg semi-final on August 25, with the return leg on September 1.
The Amakhosi will be next in action on Tuesday, when they take on Baroka FC in the Absa Premiership at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
Stars will be back on the field on Sunday in a league game against AmaZulu at King Zwelithini Stadium in uMlazi.
@ashfakmohamed
IOL Sport