Bernard Morrison, the ex-Orlando Pirates star now on the books of Tanzanian outfit Simba SC, is understood to have been banned from entering Mzansi.
This, the Siya crew has been led to believe, would explain why Morrison did not travel with his club for last weekend’s second leg CAF Confederation quarterfinals tie against the Buccaneers at Orlando Stadium.
Pirates won the match on penalties to progress through to the semi-finals, where they will now face Libya’s Al Ahli Tripoli next month.
“We contacted the people of the South African Immigration Authority to ask for permission and visa to enter with Bernard, but they told us their rules and if a person breaks them, they will not be able to enter again,” Simba CEO Barbara Gonzalez had been quoted in the media in the build-up to the second leg of the Confed Cup.
“They have told us due to his previous mistake while in the country, authorities are not ready to let him go there according to the rules, so it is now official that Morrison will not travel with the rest of squad members to South Africa.”
Soccer Laduma has now learnt that Morrison had failed to extend his visa to be allowed to stay longer in Mzansi after his spell at Pirates had ended in June 2018.
As a result, the Siya crew has established, the attacking midfielder was slapped with a six-year ban by the SA authorities, meaning he would have to appeal the decision to have it overturned, which he had clearly not done.
It’s believed Morrison is banned until 2024.
Gordon Igesund gives his thoughts on VAR and whether it has the desired impact to improve football.
Take Part In Our Big Three Quiz & Win TAB Betting Vouchers!
