The South African Football Association has apologized to their à Ghanaian counterpart over age-cheating allegations made by the coach of South Africaââ¬â¢s Under 17 womenââ¬â¢s team against Ghana.
Coach Marshilo made the allegations after the Black Maidens eliminated South Africa 5-1 on aggregate to qualify for the Fifa Under 17 Womenââ¬â¢s World Cup.
But SAFA has apologized for the comments made by the coach in a letter written to the Ghana Football Association.
"I would like to take this opportunity to, on behalf of the South African Football Association, apologise without reservation for the comments made by the coach of our Under 17 National Womenââ¬â¢s Team: Mr Mashilo about players of the Ghana Under 17 Womenââ¬â¢s Team after the qualifying match for the Fifa Under 17 Womenââ¬â¢s World Cup played in Accra on Friday 23 March 2012,à SAFA Chief Executive Dr. Robin Petersen said in a letter to the GFA
"The statement made by Mr Mashilo is not only against the good spirit of friendship and fair play but it has also caused immense embarrassment for this Association.
"We would also like to distance the Association completely from the statement and make you aware that it was made without knowledge or mandate of the Association.
"It is my sincere hope that the Ghana Football Association will accept our apology and not allow the matter to strain our long standing friendly relations in any way," GHANA FA Communications Division