Highlands Park player Franklin Ogbonna has been found to have used fraudulent study and work visas in South Africa.
The Nigerian player led former PSL side Highlands Park to victory in the 2024/25 SAFA Gauteng ABC Motsepe League.
However, the club now risks missing out on representing Gauteng at the upcoming SAFA National Playoffs, scheduled for June in Bloemfontein, Free State.
Source: Facebook
The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that the documents presented by Franklin Ogbonna during his stay in South Africa are fake.
According to FARPost, the 27-year-old's case could result in a 57-point deduction for Highlands Park.
Administrative clerk Reshigan Kistan revealed that the unique control number on Ogbonna's study visa is invalid, with no such visa records existing. Kistan stated:
“The visa label unique control number 877 61509 is invalid, and no such visa exists. The tracking number, which appears on the visa, is invalid, and no such records exist.”
Currently, Highlands Park leads the league with 83 points from 34 games under Johnny Ferreira.
However, they may drop to 18th place if the sanction is enforced by league operators.
Source: Facebook
Despite the accusations, Highlands Park striker Franklin Ogbonna says he is determined to score more goals for the club.
In a post on his Facebook page, the 27-year-old was seen celebrating with his teammates after scoring a goal in the league.
He added that all his achievements are by God's grace. He said:
"I just wanna keep improving on my goal scoring.
"Only by His grace."
Bonga Gupta Maphitha said:
"I'm a South African and I follow football especially our local league but I don't know this guy. Which club does he play for?"
Thembelani Banzi Faku replied
"Highlands Park tata if isekhona but he is 27 years of age according to Google."
Makhavula Mc Welele wrote:
"If I was a chairman of that team would jus send him to the grave for wasting my time n money phaaa phaaaa phaaa."
Tshepo Jonas added:
"That has nothing to do with the Soccer team, if the documents were fake it's up to the home affairs to do thier job not the club."
Nyisist Kagiso said:
"That's politics and not football.
"Arrest him and leave sports alone.
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Stanley Nwabali reportedly aimed a dig at Rwandan attackers after Nigeria’s 2-0 victory against the Amavubi in Kigali.
Nigeria revived their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by securing vital three points away from home in Eric Chelle’s first match in charge of the national team.
Victor Osimhen scored two first-half goals to secure the big win, Nigeria's first in the qualifying series, which coincides with the striker’s first match having missed others due to injury.
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Source: Legit.ng
