Former South African football association (SAFA) president Kirsten Nematandani has come out strongly to distance himself from accusations of match-fixing and corruption during his reign.
FIFA’s Investigatory Chamber of the Ethics Committee concluded its investigation into the roles played by Kirsten, Jonathan Musavengana (former official of the Zimbabwe FA) and Banna Tchanile (former Togo Coach) in alleged fixing of friendlies played in South Africa before the 2010 World Cup, recommending life bans for the trio from football related matters.
In response to the damning verdict, Kirsten addressed members of “Football Africa Arena” an influential Whatsapp group as follows.
“Gentleman. I do follow the forum and appreciate the level of debate, much appreciated. I do however feel seriously aggrieved by some of the statements about me, I’m not corrupt, I do not get involved in match fixing , I indeed expected the association spokesman whom I appointment while I was the president to tell you more about me, I do not and have never met the person you are alleging I was in cahoots with. I maintain my innocent Safa CEO and the Legal Chairperson called me . They are taking the matter up with FIFA. I reserve my right to respond. This is about my reputation. I only have one reputation that I have to protect with my life if need be . I respect your views, The right of the accused person to be presumed innocent until proven guilty , the right of fair trial need to be respected, there is always two sides or more of any story. I can’t say more for now until I have weighed all my options.” Kirsten posted.
@bonfaceosano
