MTN8 Final: Allegations and Rumours of Muthi Use Between Orlando Pirates and AmaZulu Reportedly Caused a Fight

• The concept of 'muthi' is as intrinsic to African football as the sun rising and setting
• This fascinating subject appears to have been a sideshow during the recent MTN8 final
• A fight reportedly broke out between Orlando Pirates and AmaZulu in Durban

Some rather sensational allegations have emerged in the wake of the MTN8 final last Saturday in Durban.

Unnamed personnel from Orlando Pirates and AmaZulu got into a heated confrontation in the bowels of the Moses Mabhida Stadium. It is alleged - without proof or second-hand information - that muthi was at the centre of the fight.

The Citizen reported that a source said:

“What started the fight was that the Pirates guys stopped an AmaZulu official who wanted to use a toilet in the venue, which they use every day anyway. When they refused him entry, he took the issue up and it somehow got to the fans, who then stormed the venue looking for a fight with the Pirates guys."

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The Citizen also reported that a security company aligned with AmaZulu also became involved. As a heated argument threatened to boil over into a physical fight, a 'Pirates guy' fled the area to make a call.

"A few hours later, Mato Madlala [a PSL official] came and tried to calm the situation. It was agreed that each team would have six guys guarding the venue until matchday.”

In April, just before a CAF Confederations Cup match at Orlando Stadium against Pirates, Simba SC players were seen burning an unknown object on the centre circle before a match, as was reported by Sports24.

Khoza visits Mphahlele in hospital

Football might be a competitive and divisive sport, but those on either side of the divide can unite under a common cause. This is the case with AmaZulu player Ramahlwe Mphahlele and Orlando Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza, as reported by Sports Brief.

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Khoza, who doubles as the Premier Soccer League's chairman, visited Mphahlele in hospital following the MTN8 final between the two clubs.

Mphahlele had been injured following a collision with Pirates goalkeeper Richard Ofori after they both went for a cross.