The soccer community has lashed out at former Kaizer Chiefs player-turned football analyst, Junior Khanye, accusing him of verbally abusing players.
The South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) said the iDiski tv analyst constantly criticises players, and this has hurt the players’ mental health.
They claim that these are not analyses but rather character assassination disguised as insight on the players.
This comes after the recent analysis he made about Mamelodi Sundowns player, Jayden Adams, Thulani “Tyson” Hlatshwayo, a former Supersport United captain, and many others.
SAFPU claimed the analysis he made was a venomous tirade directed at hard-working professional football players.
Acting president of SAPFU, Tebogo Monyai said the malicious remarks made by Khanye come from envy as he sees that the footballers he bashes have accomplished more than him.
“What Mr Khanye continues to project into the public domain is neither analysis, nor commentary and critique. It is character assassination disguised as insight. It is a self-serving spectacle that reeks of bitterness, personal failure, and professional envy.
“Let it be known that many of the very players he persistently maligns have accomplished more in their careers, ethically and professionally, than Mr Khanye ever did. His sustained assault is not rooted in footballing logic but in a pathological attempt to heal from his own unfulfilled ambitions, at the expense of those who still carry the torch of the game,” said Duma.
Monyai further stated that they once invited Mr Khanye to their headquarters to appeal and raise these matters directly to his conscience, as he is in a commercial football space that silently perpetuates mental-health burdens on many players.
The SAPFU demands a formal public and unequivocal apology from Junior Khanye to Jayden Adams, Thulani Hlatshwayo and every player who has suffered under his reckless, baseless, and belittling remarks.
IOL
