Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies coach Jerry Tshabalala has been placed on ‘special leave’ by the club after being accused of improper conduct.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS COACH PLACED ON SPECIAL LEAVE
According to SABC Sport, Jerry Tshabalala has been accused of a string of serious allegations of sexual harassment, emotional abuse and inappropriate coach-athlete relationships.
SABC Sport has it that some of the allegations include:
- Making sexual remarks to players and female staff
- Asking sensitive questions
- Walking in when players are changing in the changing room, even when players are completely naked
“He is also accused of walking in when players are changing in the changing room and refusing to leave the changing room, even when players are completely naked,” a SABC Sport report read.
The public broadcaster made it known that several players and staff opened up to the media on condition of anonymity.
The celebrated football gaffer who has won big with Mamelodi Sundowns has yet to address the rumours.
Against the news, attempts to obtain a comment from Mamelodi Sundowns and Tshabalala have proved unsuccessful.
MASANDAWANA ISSUES A PRESS STAMENT
However, Mamelodi Sundowns has confirmed that it is aware of the reports and has since confirmed an investigation is underway.
According to a club statement, women players are the complainants, and the Brazilians are taking the issue in a “very serious light.”
“Mamelodi Sundowns instructs top law firm to investigate allegations of improper conduct by the coach of its ladies team,” Sundowns wrote in a statement.
“The Board of Mamelodi Sundowns has been made aware of allegations of improper conduct that have been made by various women players against the coach of its ladies team, Jerry Tshabalala.
“Mamelodi Sundowns views these allegations in a very serious light and has appointed a top law firm, Bowmans, to investigate these allegations and to report to the Board as soon as possible,” reads the post.
The club has also confirmed that Tshabalala, who has been with the club since 2012, has been placed on ‘special leave’ pending the outcome of the investigation.
“Sundowns has, in the interim, put coach Jerry Tshabalala on special leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
“This is not done to pre-empt the outcome of the investigation but to ensure that it can proceed expeditiously and protect the rights of all parties.
“In the event that the investigation establishes facts that warrant action, the board will immediately take such steps as are appropriate.
Mamelodi Sundowns will in due course make announcements on the findings of the investigation and the action to be taken,” reads part of the post.
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