Egyptian football giants Al Ahly have announced their decision to refrain from pursuing the signing of South African midfielder Teboho Mokwena, citing his controversial political affiliations.
Al Ahly released a statement on Thursday, clarifying that they have halted their efforts to acquire Mokwena following reports of the player’s public endorsement of South African opposition figure Julius Malema, as reported by the Associated Press.
Malema has faced accusations of inciting racial hatred in his home country, particularly over a chant he frequently repeats.
Despite denying that the chant promotes hatred, the South African opposition leader has remained a polarizing figure.
Mokwena, upon returning to South Africa after participating in the Africa Cup of Nations, publicly expressed his support for Malema, describing him as the country’s “preferred leader.”
This declaration prompted Al Ahly to reconsider their pursuit of the player.
The club stated that their decision was influenced by Mokwena’s recent public statements at the OR Tambo International Airport in South Africa, where he voiced support for the controversial political leader who has been accused of advocating for violence against white South Africans.
Al Ahly emphasized that Mokwena’s endorsement of contentious political viewpoints contradicts the club’s core principles and values.
Mokwena emerged as one of South Africa’s standout players in the previous edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, contributing significantly to his team’s unexpected victory over Morocco, a team that had reached the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
