Polokwane City Football Club found itself in the midst of turmoil on Monday, September 11th, as half of its dedicated players faced a heart-stopping ordeal on the streets of their hometown. The day took an unexpected turn when the team had to cancel their scheduled training session. Headlines rang out with the shocking news of yet another car accident involving the players.
This incident added to the growing list of unfortunate accidents in the history of the club. Polokwane City had recently achieved a significant milestone by securing a promotion from the first division to the Premier Soccer League for the upcoming 2023/24 season.
However, details of the incident began to surface, revealing a narrative that sent shockwaves throughout the football community. According to a trusted source within the club. Therefore, it was discovered that the team’s co-coach, Phuti Mohafe. Was behind the wheel of the bus at the time of the accident. What made matters more concerning was the revelation that Mohafe lacked the necessary PDP permit to operate the bus, raising questions about the adequacy of safety measures.
The accident itself occurred at the intersection of Marshall and Biccard streets, near the City Centre, within their hometown. Polokwane Municipality Traffic Assistant Superintendent Kgaugelo Mphago shed some light on the circumstances surrounding the collision. The drivers of both vehicles involved claimed that the traffic light was displaying a green signal for their respective lanes. However, eyewitness accounts painted a different picture, alleging that the Polokwane City FC bus had disregarded the red light. Setting the stage for this unfortunate collision.
In the aftermath of the accident, the players found themselves divided between those who required hospitalization. For treatment and others who were discharged. After receiving medical attention for the shock they had endured. This unsettling incident brought back haunting memories of previous car accidents that had cast a shadow over the club’s history.
In November 2012, Polokwane City faced a tragedy that shook the foundations of the club. Four of its players—Koketso Takalo, Robert Mphuti, Moeketsi Nthete, and Silvester Mpaketsane—lost their lives in a horrifying car accident. The entire football fraternity mourned the loss of these young talents.
Another dark chapter was added to the club’s history in February 2018 when 26-year-old Polokwane FC defender. Mogau Tshehla, tragically lost his life in a car crash in Kwagga, Mpumalanga. The team’s captain at the time, Jabulani Maluleke. Further, expressed the deep sorrow felt by Tshehla’s teammates and emphasized the sense of camaraderie within the football family.
As Polokwane City FC grapples with yet another car accident involving its players. The club and its supporters can only hope for a brighter, safer future on and off the field. The road ahead is undoubtedly challenging. But the resilience of the team and the spirit of the sport will undoubtedly carry them through this dark chapter.
