Bafana Bafana legend Doctor Khumalo has criticised Kaizer Chiefs midfielder George Matlou following his controversial gestures that sparked backlash from fans and club legends alike.
The 27-year-old midfielder came under fire after he was seen mocking Orlando Pirates following the Buccaneers’ CAF Champions League elimination.
Pirates were knocked out dramatically after a 3-3 aggregate draw with Saint Eloi Lupopo ended in a penalty shootout defeat during the second preliminary round.
Tensions ran high during the second leg at Orlando Stadium, with the referee sending off one Pirates player and a St Lupopo player after tempers flared. However, controversy followed when Dieumerci Mukoko, who committed the offence, avoided punishment while his teammate was mistakenly dismissed.
Kaizer Chiefs star Matlou taunted Pirates
Amid the chaos, Mukoko made provocative gestures towards the crowd, including throat-slitting motions, actions widely condemned as unsporting.
In the weeks that followed, Matlou appeared to mimic those gestures, triggering backlash not only from Pirates supporters but also from figures within the Kaizer Chiefs family.
Speaking on the matter, Khumalo warned the midfielder to remain respectful and mindful of his image.
“This is a lesson for any player, not particularly for George, but you don’t have to worry about what other people are doing or saying, just be yourself. Don’t say things that will jeopardise or have a negative spin on your brand,” the Amakhosi said this week.
“I know he’s a big boy with a big heart, but you don’t talk like that and say things like that. You might be playing for a different colour or team, but you need to remain humble and remember that these other brands are well-established. They have carried the history of this country and produced players.”
Matlou has since addressed the criticism and abuse he received following the incident.
“I’m going to talk about myself because there was a moment I wasn’t playing, so you can just imagine, you go on social media or anywhere,” Matlou said, as per iDsiki Times.
Matlou’s contract with Chiefs ending soon
“You’ll see people saying this one is not playing. Yes, I was attacked; things were said about me. So you can just imagine what was happening to me.
“The pressure is there, so you have to maybe forget about what people say. You know what you’re good at, so focus on football,” he added.
Matlou has not featured much this season and could be one of the Chiefs players released at the end of the season.