Safa Cape Town deputy president Andrew Bothman said he was rather pleased with the “willingness and cooperation” of the clubs summoned to give testimony in the ‘Goalgate’ scandal which rocked the Third Division playoffs last week at the William Herbert Sports Complex.
No Bones with Jones can confirm that two clubs, Diadora FC and West Coast United, appeared on Monday (6 November 2023) before the investigation panel consisting of Bothman, the lead investigator appointed along with Sean Lea, an experienced magistrate with 36 years of expertise in criminal law.
Diadora was represented by its technical team which consisted of five members, while West Coast had only two representatives in coach Pere Ariweriyai and his captain.
“The investigation went very well thus far,” said Bothman. “Both parties are willing, and we are getting their cooperation. So far we have had no problem and things went very well.”
No Bones with Jones has been informed that Ariweriyai went on a rant when his voice note was played and was not happy at all. Luckily common sense prevailed and the former Santos and Amazulu player eventually calmed down.
Our website can also confirm that Two for Joy and Electric City will have their respective opportunities on Tuesday (7 November 2023) to give their version of events when the investigation continues.
According to Bothman they hope to wrap up the matter before the set date of 15 November 2023.
“We hope it will be the case, but If we do need an extension we will apply for one,” he added.
This scandal has been driving the football narrative of late and sent shockwaves through the local football fraternity, subsequently spreading to national audiences.
This followed the freakish scorelines recorded by Diadora FC during their 35-1 annihilation of Electric City, whilst Two for Joy also raised suspicion with their 22-0 demolishing of West Coast City during their final Group (H) matches at the regional playoffs.
