Bulgarian Coach Stirs Scandal with South African Soccer League

Bulgarian-born football coach, Hristo Stoichkov, used strong words when addressing the South African PSL and is facing sanctions and fines. Photo by BGNES

The Bulgarian coach of the South African football team Mamelodi Sundowns, Hristo Stoichkov, accused the management the local Premier Soccer League (PSL) of corruption.

Stoichkov was upset by the decision to resume the match against Moroka Swallows from the 36th minute and a 0:2 score, instead of starting from the beginning. The game was abandoned in midweek due to flood light failure at the Super Stadium in Atteridgeville. The teams ended even with a score of 3:3 which put the Swallows 4 points away from the top place two rounds before the end of the championship.

Stoichkov had a bout of anger after the game and is said to face serious sanctions and fines.

“These people are corrupt. This was a dumb decision; this is bad for the people. These people never played football and have no idea what is going on. The managers just spoil football in this country. The sport is developing but they are stuck in one place,” Stoichkov said.

The PSL leadership, also upset, responded that Stoichkov’s speech was inappropriate and the language he used undignified. They further threaten prosecution for the Bulgarian-born football coach.

However, Stoichkov was impressed with way his team played especially after coming from 2:0 down to draw the match 3:3. "I'm happy with my boys they played well today and that's very important for Sundowns. But we will play the championship again next year," he concluded.

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