Players’ union slams ex-Chiefs forward over constant attacks on PSL stars – ‘Reeks of bitterness’

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Players’ union slams ex-Chiefs forward over constant attacks on PSL stars – ‘Reeks of bitterness’

South African Football Players Union [SAFPU] has hit out at former Kaizer Chiefs forward Junior Khanye over what they term a continued character assassination on players.

Khanye, who hanged his boots 10 years ago, is now a pundit who never minces his words when it comes to his takes over various players, something that has rubbed many the wrong way.

The former Chiefs winger offers controversial opinions and sometimes uses strong words on players who he feels have not performed to expectations.

The latest in his wave of attacks is Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams, whom he slammed this week for falling below the expectations at the club because the shirt is “too heavy for him.”

Khanye criticised for his controversial opinions

“What Mr Khanye continues to project into the public domain is not analysis, not commentary, and not critique. It is a character assassination disguised as insight. It is a self-serving spectacle that reeks of bitterness, personal failure, and professional envy,” said acting SAFPU president Tebogo Monyai.

“Let it be known: many of the very players he persistently maligns have accomplished more in their careers – ethically and professionally – than Mr Khanye ever did.”

SAFPU claims Khanye is using the platform he is given to malign players in an attempt to cover up on his own failings as a player, pointing to past off-field controversies that accompanied the former forward during his career.

“His sustained assault is not rooted in footballing logic. But in a pathological attempt to heal from his own unfulfilled ambitions, at the expense of those who still carry the torch of the game,” said the players’ union.

Ex-Chiefs star cited for ‘media-fuelled mockery’

“This kind of conduct is not only morally bankrupt. It is a direct assault on the values of professionalism, respect, and the spirit of the game.

“The psychological warfare being waged against our players through media-fuelled mockery and unfounded ridicule is an act of violence (intellectual, emotional, and reputational). It demoralises the players, contaminates the narrative, and perpetuates a toxic football culture,” added SAFPU which wants an apology from Khanye.

Among players that have recently been targeted by Khanye are defender Thulani Hlatshwayo, whom he labelled “useless” while he told Chiefs star Happy Mashiane that he lacks basics.

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.

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