Happy Mashiane was shown a straight red card on the stroke of half-time for a reckless challenge after the referee checked with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) as Al Ahly hammered ‘Amakhosi’ 3-0 to be crowned club African champions.
The 23-year-old has been heavily criticised for the “poor” tackle by pundits and some Chiefs supporters, with coach Stuart Baxter suggesting that the red card Mashiane received on Saturday was a “killer” to the game as it allowed Al Ahly to claim their 10th Champions League title.
However, Motaung had some kind and comforting words for Happy Mashiane.
“I want to take this special moment to encourage Happy Mashiane. Happy must take this as a lesson and an experience that will come in handy in his career,” said Motaung.
“This is not his fault, and this must serve as a lesson to everyone in the team. We must realise that these things happen in football and life in general.
“Happy Mashiane is still young and has a great future ahead of him. He is not alone, we are in this together,” added Motaung.
The ‘Glamour Boys’ chairman went on to congratulate the team for defying the odds by reaching their first-ever Champions League final.
“I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate the team for the magnificent effort in the attempt to win the Caf Champions League. Even if we did not win the trophy, to reach this final is historical for the Club,” he said.
“It is unfortunate that the red card defined the outcome of the match. These kind of defining moments happen in games of this magnitude. I would like to thank the players and the Technical Team, not forgetting the entire support and entourage that participated in the journey to the final.”
Due to technical issues with the chartered plane that flew Chiefs to Morocco, the club’s return to South Africa was delayed. The Soweto giants will fly back commercially today and will land in Johannesburg on Wednesday morning.
“I am also quite aware that the travelling team has faced challenges to travel back home due to the flight mechanical concerns,” stated the chairman. “I wish everyone a safe travel and that everything will be sorted.”
