Shaune Mogaila made a surprise return to the Sekhukhune United starting line-up and head coach Lehlohonolo Seema explained their reason for backing the player.
Mogaila has not featured for the club since he was charged with culpable homicide, reckless and negligent driving and fleeing the scene, following an accident in Tembisa. A nine-year-old was killed in the accident while her mother and a 13-year-old were hospitalised after they sustained injuries.
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Mogaila appeared twice in court last year and the matter has now been postponed to May 19 for further investigation.
The former Highlands Park and Royal AM player made his first appearance of 2025 and it came with an immediate impact, as he set up Andi Boyeli for Babina Noko's opening goal in the 4-2 victory over AmaZulu at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium. His last appearance for the club, before last night, was on 29 October 2024 against Richards Bay.
"He is a player that has been registered to us. He had an unfortunate incident that happened and the team gave him support and time to deal with it. Now he is back and we are happy with the first game after a long time and we are happy with the contribution he made. Look, he is a player that we know," Seema told media after the clash against Usuthu.
"The only thing we (are) doing is that we put that behind our back, of course, and then we try to give him support so that he can continue working for the team. Definitely the team has been supporting him. You can see the way he is playing. It was very unfortunate. It can happen to any of us, but he needed support and time, which he was given. Now it's time for him to go back and clear his mind with something. I am happy with the performance after a long time."
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The appearance Mogaila made should give him reason to believe that he will get more opportunities in the final few months of the campaign, before having to return to court for his case.
