Electric City FC coach Mario van der Vent has hit back saying “their gloves are off” and that they are ready for a fight,
Van der Vent’s comments follow after the Elsies River-based club has now pursued the legal route to exonerate themselves for their alleged role in the infamous Goalgate match fixing scandal.
The Eerste River-based club has reached out to adv. Bjorn Harmse (pictured) from HH Attorneys to come to their aid in this matter
This move is an indication that Electric City strongly feels they have a leg to stand on against the region.
According to Van der Vent they have one of the best legal eagles in Sport to assist them in their case with Safa CT.
“He is a very good advocate,” Van der Vent said to No Bones with Jones. “He is in the sports industry and sits on the Western Province Cricket Board. He is a very good advocate. We told them from the very beginning that we had no part in what they are alleging and therefore we are doing what we have to fight back.
“We want to clear our name and restore our credibility. Our name is being dragged through the mud. They are going to pay for this I am telling you because we are ready for them,” Van der Vent added.
Electric City raised eyebrows when they were annihilated 35-1 by Diardora FC during a Safa CT Third Division playoff match at the William Herbert Sports Complex in October last year.
Ironically, the other fixture in their group (H) also raised eyebrows when Two for Joy walloped West Coast united by 22-0 which raised suspicion and got the tongues wagging. These freakish score lines prompted the Mother body to investigate the issue as it was just too good to be true.
According to Van der Vent his team also experienced a shortage of players which contributed to their humiliating loss of 1-35.
“It was our club’s presentation the night before (Saturday) and most of our players felt the effects of a heavy night and did not pitch. That was our biggest mistake as we didn’t factor in the playoffs,” said Van der Vent.
“I mean all this while the other club (West Coast) admitted they were approached with an offer of R2000 or something. The coach still said that he won’t get involved and tell them what to do. So, what happened to that? That is clearly match-fixing.
“On what basis are we guilty of any wrongdoing? Okay, I can understand the big scoreline but that can be explained as I did from the beginning. And if we are accused of match-fixing, it does not just come from one side. Why is Diadora also not treated the same way as us?” Van der Vent concluded.
