Percy Muzi Tau, George Lebese and May Mahlangu are the latest footballers whose right to earn living was taken away due to Covid 19 enforced crisis in sports globally.
The trio used to fly the South African fly high in the world biggest leagues but suddenly things drastically turned bad for them. George Lebese (who used to play in the USA) and May Mahlangu (who used to play in Denmark) had their contracts terminated because of Covid 19.
On the other hand, Tau is seemingly is the better Covid 19 victim among the three. The 27-year-old Mpumalanga born player was hoping to build on his European dream of playing UEFA or EUROPA Champions League but those dreams will never come through as he has officially returned to African football.
After being unveiled as Al Ahly Sporting Club player Percy Tau shared a bittersweet message to his former England team (Brighton and Hove Albion) where he struggled to get a game-time more especially every time after honouring Bafana Bafana call up
“Thank you @OfficialBHAFC for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the Club. I’m proud of my journey and very proud of my time at Brighton. You gave me the opportunity I never imagined growing up in Witbank. A decision to sign me with all the complications that were in place. I’m grateful. I want to say more but my lack of social expression defeats me. The supporters of the club, thank you.” said the Lion of Judah
On the other hand, former Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder George Lebese also lost his right to earn a living as a professional footballer due to Covid 19, South Africa, to USA travel ban.
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In January, the 32-year-old star took to social media to announce how Covid 19 was stripped of his right to be economically active through his talent.
It is almost 8 months now since Lebese has lost his universal right to make earns meet for himself and his family.
Another Mpumalanga born footballer, May Mahlangu also lost his lucrative European contract because he couldn’t return on time before all SA travellers were banned in Denmark.
In an exclusive interview with Showbiz Scope, sports anchor Mandiswa Madonsela lamented the Europeans prejudice to South African footballers. According to the Radio Langa sports presenter, Covid 19 is wrongfully used to deprive South African footballers the right to earn a living.
”No diseases or politicians decisions should have any effect on football. At least that is what FIFA has always been preaching. Therefore, it really doesn’t make any sense why innocent footballers like May Mahlangu and George Lebese lost their right to earn living.
Political decisions that are taken by USA and Denmark heads of states should stop certain countries like South Africa athletes from going through isolation period in those countries and then be allowed to their jobs.”
”If indeed the reason to deprive Lebese and Mahangu was genuine because they are from a Covid 19 ‘identified hot zone country, what about Seria A and Italian players? Italy too is a Covid 19 hot zone country with a double number of Covid 19 fatalities.
Why are Italian players and their league not being treated the same way as players from South Africa? Lebese, Mahlangu and I dare to even include Tau in this list. All these players human rights to earn a living through their talent are being violated, all in the name of Covid 19.” said Madonsela
