By Ntokozo Magongo
Top Young Buffaloes striker, Sandile ‘Saviola’ Gamedze have been released from the national team, Sihlangu camp pending the rape charges laid against him this week.
The attacking midfielder was released after being charged for allegedly having sexual intercourse with a minor (14-year-old). The 2021/ 22 MTN Premier League top goal scorer is out on E50 000 bail that was granted on Monday by the High Court.
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He was part of the squad that is in camp in preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifier game against Togo to be played at Mbombela Stadium, South Africa on June 18.
According to a statement released by the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) through Communications and Marketing Officer Muzi Radebe, Gamedze will also be not part of the team to play in the COSAFA Cup, billed for Durban from July 5-16.
“The EFA on discussions with the national team management has since decided that Sandile Gamedze be released from the national team’s duties. This, therefore, implies that he will not be available for selection in the national team’s forthcoming AFCON 2023 Qualifier match against Togo and the COSAFA Cup 2023 competition,” reads part of the statement.
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Gamedze is alleged to have had sexual intercourse with the minor on January 7, 2023, around Kwaluseni in the Manzini region. At the time the offence is alleged to have been committed, the minor was incapable of consenting to any sexual act.
Gamedze was charged with contravening Section 3 (1) of the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence (SODV) Act 15/ 2018. Gamedze is not the first top player to be accused of rape. International stars including former South Africa and Orlando Pirates midfielder Benedict ‘Tso’ Vilakazi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, David De Gea and recently Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood.
All these players were later cleared of the rape charges.
