The grim reality of facing a charge of rape will not result in Orlando Pirates midfield dynamo Benedict Vilakazi being declared ineligible for the African Nations Cup tournament.
This was confirmed on Monday by South African Football Association (Safa) CEO Raymond Hack after Bafana coach Ted Dumitru had earlier given the diminutive player — who is known as ”Little Napoleon” — the green light to play in Egypt next month.
”The decision was left to the coach,” said Hack. ”Safa decided not to interfere with his decision.”
When it was pointed out to the Safa CEO that the English Football Association had taken a decision not to consider Jonathan Woodgate and Lee Boywer for international duty while they were facing charges of assault and intent to do grievous bodily harm, Hack replied: ”This is South Africa, not England.
”We have considered the matter on the presumption that someone is innocent until proven guilty,” said the Safa CEO, himself a prominent Johannesburg attorney.
Vilakazi had earlier written to Safa offering to stand down from the African Nations Cup tournament because of the bad publicity his presence might generate in Egypt — with adverse consequences for Bafana in the wider context.
But Dumitru was quoted as saying that Vilakazi’s stance had only strengthened his resolve to utilise Vilakazi.
”I think he has made an admirable gesture,” said the Bafana coach. ” He is a fine player and if I believe he is able to do a job for his country in Egypt, I will select him.” — Sapa