Kaizer Chiefs striker Khanyisa Mayo has confirmed that he apologized to teammate Pule Mmodi following the controversial offside incident in the Betway Premiership match against AmaZulu earlier this month.
In that match, Mmodi’s goal-bound effort appeared destined for the back of the net, but Mayo, positioned in an offside area near the goal line, tapped the ball in before it crossed the line.
As Mayo wheeled away to celebrate, assistant referee Zakhele Siwela raised his flag for offside, ruling out the goal and leaving Mmodi visibly frustrated. The incident proved costly, as Amakhosi dropped two valuable points in the draw against Usuthu.
“Firstly, during halftime, we spoke about it,” Mayo explained. “I apologized, and he said, ‘These things happen, it’s football.’ It was a lapse in concentration. I wasn’t aware of my surroundings.
“It happened, we moved on. Even after the game, I called him, and we spoke again. He said, ‘Don’t worry, these things happen. It’s done—let’s focus on what’s next.’”
Mayo was speaking on Monday alongside Mmodi ahead of Chiefs’ Betway Premiership clash against Siwelele at FNB Stadium on Wednesday.
Responding to Mayo’s apology, Mmodi showed no hard feelings.
“I think, as he said, this is football, and I’ve known Mayo for a long time,” said Mmodi. “He’s a striker who loves scoring goals. I didn’t take it personally or ask, ‘Why would you do that?’
“Everyone makes mistakes—no one is perfect. Life goes on because the next day I’m going to need him.”
Chiefs, who are fourth in the Betway Premiership table, head into the Siwelele fixture having won only one of their last seven matches in all competitions. They were also eliminated from the Carling Knockout in the round of 16 by Stellenbosch FC on penalties.
Chiefs’ most recent outing ended in a goalless draw against AS Simba of DR Congo in the CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round first leg on Saturday.
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