After a 2-0 defeat to Free State Stars in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals last weekend, Amakhosi supporters invaded the pitch, vandalised the stadium facilities, as well as television equipment, and attacked security guards. The damage at the stadium was worth R2.6 million.
Phumlani Biyela, 32, was struck with a chair in his face and says he randomly bleeds through his nose to this day. Sabelo Maziba was also attacked by supporters.
According to the post match report, there were 18 people who were treated after the stadium rampage. Twelve were treated at the stadium, while six were taken to hospital.
Coach Steve Komphela resigned after the game, ending almost three seasons of misery at the club.
“I saw people going towards him [Sabelo Maziba] and they hit him with chairs. When they hit him with the chair, more fans went to him,” Biyela, who is limping, tells snl24.com/kickoff.
“When I was charging to him, they hit me just under my arm, they beat me with the chair, and the third guy hit me with the chair in my face. I tried to run away, but I lost power.
“I fell very badly, so I’m not fine on my knee and on my hip. When I bath the blood just comes out in my nose.
“All I want to know and I understand is, as some of us are badly hurt, what should we do since we are hurt? What did we do wrong to the fans, because we were working? We didn’t do anything wrong.”