Local football authorities have confirmed that the killing of two sportspeople in Site C Sports L Sports Complex in Khayelitsha at the weekend was unrelated to the ongoing Coke Cup games.
“What happened on Sunday was very painful, especially that it happened in full view of spectators in a place that is normally safe, like a sports field and where we entertain ourselves at,” the Management Committee (MANCOM) of the Lingelethu Local Football Association, which hosted the games at the sports field, explained.
They said all signs indicate that the brutal murder of Tottenham Hotspurs FC (Manenberg) chairman Mark Roberts and head coach Mike Lukhubene, who also coached various teams in multiple leagues, including the Premier Soccer League, had nothing to do with the matches that took place on the day.
“Let us point it out clearly that nothing can make us suspect that the shooting had anything to do with the match. The game went well until the end, and their team beat their opponents with a convincing 6-0 scoreline.”
The victims were gunned down in front of spectators shortly after the last match was concluded.
“There were no arguments that could make us suspect it had something to do with that game. We suspect this is [an] outside-the-field matter – and, unfortunately, it happened on the field. The way it happened, it is clear those people came for the two men and not to watch games.”
The game was the very last to be concluded, and the LFA officials were busy collecting the corner flags while the teams had done with the debriefing and prayer when the incident happened.
“Two guys sitting behind the poles like other spectators approached the two men when they were going towards their vehicles, and we soon heard gunshots. When we looked, one was shooting at Mike, and the other was shooting the owner before escaping through the hole in the fence.”
The incident is the first of its kind on the Site C field. The Mancom noted they usually inform the police about their events, but security is primarily their responsibility.
“Even if we search people at the games, people can still get weapons into the field through the holes in the fence or jump over. And our fields are multi-purpose, and other users can also gain access simultaneously as football. Maybe we need to learn from this incident.”
The Site C sports field and other fields in communities around Cape Town are earmarked to host various other regional competitions, including the next rounds of the Coke Cup and the Engen Knockout Challenge.
According to the Lingelethu Mancom, the fields they rent from the City of Cape Town are not fenced adequately like the big stadiums, making enforcing security measures challenging.
Bennett Bailey, SAFA Cape Town President and Vice-President of SAFA, said they are doing all in their power to ensure that football is played at a competitive level in facilities and will now double-up security measures in all football games, including regional competitions like the Coke Cup.
“Violence has absolutely no place in football, and we condemn this in the strongest form. It is important that our players, staff and supporters feel completely and entirely safe at our venues and we will work with all stakeholders to do our absolute best to ensure the safety of all,” Bailey said.
He said SAFA Cape Town and their LFAs would meet the police to increase patrol of the football facilities regularly. They also encourage LFAs to have stronger relationships with their local neighbourhood watch to bring young people to safe environments.
“Football shall be played,” he noted. “However, it must be played in a safe environment.”
CapeAt6 Sport sends condolences to the family and friends of Mark Roberts and Mike Lukubhene in this tough time.
