MOROKA Swallows’ Brazilian-born coach Walter Da Silva was on Wednesday night the victim of a three-hour kidnap ordeal when he was surprised by two men at his home in Johannesburg.
Da Silva was forced into a car and was driven around Befordview while being threatened by the men. Da Silva was allegedly told not to attend a Premiership match between his side and Bush Bucks, and his life was threatened on several occasions.
Da Silva was eventually released unhurt by the men at a shopping centre in Bedforview.
Da Silva told the Sowetan that he is sure that the kidnapping is linked to his job, as he previously received threats to leave the club.
Since Da Silva’s tenure at Swallows from the beginning of the season, the club has shown good form after propping up the log for the last few seasons.
The latest developments come as South Africa is intensifying its bid to host the 2006 World Cup and is gearing up for a visit by an inspection team from the world governing body FIFA.
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