Former Bafana Bafana stars Aaron Mokoena and David Nyathi fell victim after they were robbed at gunpoint at the South African Football Association (Safa) technical centre, famously known as Fun Valley Resort. The incident unfolded in the early hours of Friday morning when unidentified assailants invaded the facility.
Details of the robbery of Bafana legends
“We suspect that it is an inside job. The criminal elements knew exactly who was in the resort. They held the security guards hostage and demanded that they take them to the rooms where Mokoena and Nyathi were sleeping,” revealed a well-placed insider.
The perpetrators followed a calculated plan, targeting Mokoena’s room first. After coercing security to call him and open the door, they forcefully entered, eventually moving to Nyathi’s room. Employing a similar tactic, they loaded their loot into Mokoena’s car and fled the scene. Nyathi managed to escape and seek safety during the chaos.
Former Bafana Bafana players robbed at gunpoint at SAFA technical centre-Image Source@XA concerned high-ranking official commented on the incident, stating, “Yes, it is true. We are just trying to find out if they are okay. We have issues with this new security company that is in charge. There have been numerous problems since they were brought in, and there are talks about cancelling their contract. We are in the process of finding out what happened.”
Notable Careers
Aaron Mokoena, a former Bafana captain and the highest-capped SA player, and David Nyathi, a renowned retired defender who played a crucial role in the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations-winning team, have contributed significantly to South African football.
Last year, Safa appointed them as chief and assistant chief scouts, respectively. In December, Safa vice-president Linda Zwane announced Nyathi’s new role as the SA Under-17 coach, highlighting the trust the organization places in these legends.
ALSO READ: Shona Ferguson Remembered: Tombstone Unveiling Ceremony Leaves Hearts Touched
Concerns and Investigations
The incident raises concerns about the security measures at the Fun Valley resort. The resort, developed with a budget of approximately R70 million in 2015, serves as accommodation for junior national teams, coaches, and administrative staff. It was intended to be Safa’s comprehensive hub for accommodation, training, and conferencing.
However, recent events have prompted discussions about the effectiveness of the current security company in charge. A high-ranking official acknowledged ongoing issues and mentioned potential plans to terminate their contract. Investigations are underway to uncover the details surrounding the incident.
