Polokwane City has slapped its former midfielder, Mpho Makola, with a R15 million lawsuit following his controversial claims about how the club allegedly mistreated its players after a loss.
Story Summary:
- Mpho Makola faces a R15 million lawsuit from Polokwane City over defamatory comments.
- The club and its owner, Johnny Mogaladi, are seeking damages for reputational harm.
- Makola’s claims, which were made during an interview, have ignited controversy and legal action.
Mpho Makola sued by his ex-club over dog food claims
Polokwane City owner Johnny Mogaladi has taken legal action against Makola, over allegations he made during an interview that went viral earlier in August.
Makola, who left the club last year, claimed that after a loss to Hungry Lions FC, the club’s management decided to punish the players by feeding the food meant for them to dogs on Mogaladi’s farm.
In the interview, the former Orlando Pirates midfielder recounted how the team had been on their way back to Polokwane when the incident allegedly occurred.
“When I heard this, I didn’t want to know what happened – did they actually do it or not? I actually lost respect for that person,” Makola said.
Polokwane City counters with lawsuit
However, Polokwane City and Mogaladi have strongly denied these allegations, stating in court papers filed at the Johannesburg High Court that Makola’s statements were false and damaging.
They argue that Makola’s allegations have painted the club in a negative light, suggesting that the team operates in a “reprehensible manner” and lacks professional and ethical integrity.
The lawsuit highlights that Makola’s statements have been widely circulated on social media, causing significant harm to the club’s reputation.
The club’s legal team emphasised in their filing that the claims have led to perceptions that Polokwane City treats its players “worse than dogs” and operates without integrity.
In addition to the financial damages, the club is also seeking a public retraction and apology from Makola.
They have requested that the court order Makola to issue the retraction and apology on his social media platforms, where the original allegations were spread.
Makola has yet to respond publicly to the lawsuit.
