Mamelodi Sundowns has confirmed that it is investigating head coach Jerry Tshabalala of its women’s team following allegations of improper conduct. Tshabalala has been placed on special leave by the club pending the outcome of the investigation.  

To ensure a thorough and impartial investigation, Sundowns has appointed the law firm Bowmans as independent investigators.

“Mamelodi Sundowns has been made aware of allegations of improper conduct that have been made by various women players against the Coach of its Ladies Team, Jerry Tshabalala,” stated Sundowns in a statement released on Saturday.  

“Mamelodi Sundowns instructs top law firm to investigate allegations of improper conduct by the Coach of its Ladies Team the Board of Mamelodi Sundowns has been made aware of allegations of improper conduct that have been made by various women players against the Coach of its Ladies Team, Jerry Tshabalala,” said Sundowns in a statement on Saturday. 

“Mamelodi Sundowns views these allegations in a very serious light and has appointed a top law firm, Bowmans, to investigate these allegations and to report to the Board as soon as possible. Sundowns has, in the interim, put Coach Jerry Tshabalala on special leave pending the outcome of the investigation. This is not done to pre-empt the outcome of the investigation, but to ensure that the investigation can proceed expeditiously and protect the rights of all parties.  

“If the investigation establishes facts that warrant action, the Board will immediately take such steps as are appropriate. Mamelodi Sundowns will in due course make announcements on the findings of the investigation and the action to be taken.”

This development comes as Sundowns’ Ladies team recently faced disappointment in the Women’s CAF Champions League, despite winning the league title this season.