Sekhukhune United coach Lehlohonolo Seema has defended the club’s use of attacker Shaun Mogaila, who is facing charges after a fatal crash killed a nine-year-old and seriously injured her mother and brother.
The 29-year-old Mogaila was named man of the match for Sekhukhune at the weekend after scoring the only goal of the game that beat Chippa United in their Betway Premiership clash in East London.
It was his second game for Sekhukhune since the accident in October, where Mogaila fled from the scene before later handing himself into police.
Mogaila was charged with culpable homicide, reckless driving and negligence and failure to provide help after a car crash and is out on R20 000 bail. He will return tom court on 19 May.
According to the state, Mogaila’s vehicle veered into the oncoming lane in Tembisa, colliding with a car carrying a woman and two children.
The crash led to the death of Gomolemo Mavimbela, while her mother and 13-year-old brother sustained serious injuries.
Authorities reported finding alcohol bottles and suspected drugs in Mogaila’s vehicle.
“I don't think we are being insensitive. I think we are showing Ubuntu that everybody deserves a second chance, and it's why it's called an accident, and we have to make sure that we support him,” said Seema.
“We know that he hasn't forgotten what happened, but at least the support structure is there. And what a way of showing it. Giving it back today, to our supporters, to football lovers, to see him doing this.
“And I think this is another way of saying showing his mental strength, that he doesn't go and sit at home and put his head between his legs.
“He's trying. He's still going, as difficult as it, as it is, but the support structure from the club has been very good, not forgetting the families there.
“The club, from day one after the unfortunate incident, it has been there for Shaun, it has been there for the families that were involved,” the Sekhukhune coach added.
“Shaun was given the opportunity and time to take care of matters and the court matter is still going on.
"But saying that, we need to support Sean and make sure that he's still part of us, and when he's available, when he's not attending to those serious matters that he knows himself he's still going to go through some process, we have agreed that we will support him.”