Gayton McKenzie Comes Under Fire After Calling for PSL Action on ‘Thuggery’ in Football
- Gayton McKenzie’s latest comments have sparked a heated reaction from football supporters, with several questioning his decision to speak out
- The Sports Minister called for action after a controversial moment on the pitch, but fans quickly brought up several other issues they believe need attention
- McKenzie’s intervention has opened up another debate around player safety, PSL officiating and the long-awaited technology that supporters have been demanding
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Gayton McKenzie has come under fire after calling on the Premier Soccer League (PSL) to take strong action over a tackle he described as “thuggery”. The Sports, Arts and Culture Minister’s comments on Sunday, 16 August 2026, sparked a wave of criticism from football supporters.
Many fans questioned his decision to highlight the incident involving Kaizer Chiefs defender Zitha Kwinika and Mamelodi Sundowns forward Tashreeq Matthews.
Gayton McKenzie calls for PSL action
McKenzie posted on X after footage of the incident circulated online. This was after Takalani (@djstago) posted a video of the incident with the caption:
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“Dear @GaytonMcK It's business as usual at @SAFA_net house and nobody gives a D*mn”
To which the minister responded, saying:
“Surely @OfficialPSL must take strong action against such thuggery on the field. He could have injured his spine totally”
The post attracted hundreds of thousands of views, with supporters quickly challenging the minister over his comments.
@Ndlombango wrote:
“They broke Sihle Nduli’s leg last week and you said nothing about it.”
@alexsithole said:
“You are very selective, we’ve been tagging you since the season started and only today you come out. Ask people where Mokoena and Nduli are? Go watch Pirates and Polokwane first game then come back.”
Fans turn attention to VAR
The delayed introduction of VAR became one of the biggest themes in the reactions. @ThomasMdaka_ asked:
“Where is the VAR that you promised us, Mr. Minister? That's the solution these games need.”
@Presidium_P wrote:
“Where is the VAR you promised to bring to the game. No action will be taken post facto, you should know that. The VAR would have resolved this on the spot.”
@KatlegoP2012 said:
“The you forget that you’re a minister wena neh”
Another supporter @Lord_B33RU5, asked:
“How will he be held accountable without VAR, Mr Minister?🤷🏿♂️ I'm glad you see its importance. Referee is not superman”
Supporters accuse minister of being selective
@Davey_Unplugged wrote:
“Just this past week Pirates and Sundowns players suffered career-threatening injuries and you said nothing; now that it is a Chiefs player, with a not-so-serious foul, you are here making noise”
@__RagnarLodbrok said:
“A sports minister with so many advisers should have been advised to mention all the career-threatening tackles this season, but you chose to mention only one. That creates the perception of bias. Do better.”
@SiyaSithole11 wrote:
“Minister such comments won't help but it's selective. Please be consistent with such tweets. Sihle Nduli almost broke his leg. Be consistent Minister or shut up”
@xolani_delz wrote:
“There should be sanctions imposed on players for these type of play. I say this as a @KaizerChiefs fan btw.”
Meanwhile, Mshengu wase Nsuka (@MalcolmManqoba) questioned the minister’s involvement, writing:
“@GovernmentZA needs to take action on such a minister interfering on operational matters of our sport. You are indirectly ordering @psl to do what they have never done before.”
The reaction has put renewed focus on player safety, officiating and the long-running VAR debate in South African football.
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Source: Briefly News
