Sekhukhune United coach Lehlohonolo Seema says the club is not being insensitive by allowing winger Shaune Mogaila, who was involved in a head-on collision that resulted in the death of a nine-year-old schoolchild in 2024, to play.
Seema insisted the club’s backing of Mogaila was “showing ubuntu” and the incident in Thembisa in October 2024 could have happened to anyone.
Everyone deserved a second chance, Seema said.
Mogaila is out on bail having made two court appearances, with the case postponed to May 19.
On Saturday the winger played his second match since his court appearances and scored the goal that sent Chippa United packing 1-0 in their Betway Premiership clash in East London.
Mogaila picked up the man-of-the-match accolade at Buffalo City Stadium, which Seema was happy about. The 29-year-old’s thundering strike from outside the area helped Sekhukhune move to third place on the log.
“The club since day one of the incident has been there for Shaune and the families that were involved,” Seema said.
“Shaune was given the opportunity and time to take care [of] whatever matters were supposed to happen.
“The court [processes] are still going on. Having said that, we need to support Shaune and make sure he is part of us when he is available.
“He knows that as a club we have agreed to support him and his mental strength. I don’t think as a club we are being insensitive, we are showing ubuntu [and] that everyone deserves a second chance.
“That is why it is called an accident. We know he hasn’t forgotten what happened.”
According to reports, the child’s family has said that while they want justice they do not necessarily want the soccer star to go to jail.
“It shows the family ... did not forget but they are trying to forgive,” Seema said.
“They say time heals, that is why this boy [Mogaila] can come to the field and do this because he knows the family said your life doesn’t have to stop but, 'we know what happened, let’s see how it will go.'
“l can’t find the right words, but the family is really being supportive and we thank them.
“This boy [Mogaila], we could have easily lost him also if we threw him out in the dark and the cold saying ‘deal with it’.”
The Thembisa magistrate's court on February 4 postponed the culpable homicide case against Mogaila until May 19.
The footballer surrendered himself to police in connection with an alleged reckless driving incident.
The crash, which occurred on Andrew Mapheto Road in Thembisa during the early hours of October 30 last year, claimed the life of nine-year old Gomolemo Mavimbela.
The National Prosecuting Authority said police found what is alleged to be alcohol bottles and drugs in Mogaila's vehicle after the accident.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.