Ghanaian players in South Africa in danger as xenophobic attacks start, SAFA condemns act

John Arwuah of Bloemfontein Celtic looks on as referee Victor Gomes awards Leopards a penalty during the match between Black Leopards and Bloemfontein Celtic in the Absa

The lives of Ghanaian players in South Africa are in danger following recent xenophobic attacks. 

Fives players namely: Mohammed Anas (Maritzburg United), John Arwuah (AmaZulu), John Pantsil (Maritzburg) and Kwabena Adusei and Edwin Gyimah (Mpumalanga Black Aces) are in the Premier Soccer League.

Former New Edubiase United player Mumunui Abubakar is with NFD side Black Leopards.

SAFA President, Dr. Danny Jordaan, feels the recent attacks are undoing the 2010 FIFA World Cup legacy, which is meant to unite the continent.

“What is happening in certain parts of the country whereby fellow Africans are being subjected to all sorts of hate and abuse is quite unacceptable,” Jordaan said in a statement released by SAFA.

“This is not what the 2010 FIFA World Cup Legacy was all about. When we hosted the 2010 showpiece, it was an African World Cup, to unite the continent, speak and relate as a united family,”

“What is happening now in some parts of the country is quite the opposite. It is like undoing all the good work and legacy of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. South Africa is part of this great continent and we should not alienate ourselves with these regrettable and barbaric actions.”

Jordaan added that these attacks were unacceptable and must be stopped.

“CAF and the entire continent were at the forefront of telling the world that apartheid had no place in the sport and that unless it was abolished, South Africa should remain isolated. If it was not for them, it could probably have taken many more years for this country to enjoy the fruits of the abolition of apartheid.

“So instead of embracing our brothers from across the continent as part of us, we are making them feel unwelcome. This is unfortunate and unacceptable. It must stop. Everyone must say no to xenophobia (where fellow Africans are being attacked) because it is some sort of apartheid in reverse. It has no place in modern society,” added the SAFA President.

The SAFA President has warned those promoting xenophobic attacks, as it puts various football sides in danger, especially with those taking part in the CAF club competitions.

“It is like saying to Africa it is us versus you. Such actions only help to isolate us from the rest of the continent. It goes against the spirit of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

“We as SAFA are saying these barbaric actions must end; and end now. We fought against apartheid because it segregated society and xenophobia has the same apartheid tendencies.”

“As a country, we should never forget where we come from. During the days of the struggle, who took us in and accommodated us? Why are we today turning against the very same people who were vital in the fight against apartheid? Our leaders fled to Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Zambia, Mozambique, Ethiopia and Angola, among other countries and were treated well. We are humans before we are South Africans, and that must be in the forefront of our existence,” concluded Dr Jordaan.