Sekhukhune United’s versatile player Shaun Mogaila made a sensational return to the Betway Premiership last night, four months after he was charged with culpable homicide, reckless and negligent driving. 

The 29-year-old right-wing player played for 90 minutes and registered an assist on Andy Boyeli’s first goal, helping Ba Bina Noko clinch a convincing 4-2 victory against the Kwazulu Natal outfit Amazulu at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Wednesday, February 19. 

In November 2024, the Thembisa Magistrate’s Court in Gauteng released Mogaila on R20,000 bail after he allegedly caused a fatal accident in the Ekurhuleni township and fled the scene. 

The PSL star allegedly crashed his black BMW with a red Hyundai i10 on Andrew Mapheto Drive in Thembisa, killing nine-year-old girl Gomolemo Mavimbela and injuring her mother and a 13-year-old boy. 

Mogaila disappeared from the scene and later handed himself to the Ekurhuleni Metro Police.  

According to the Ekurhuleni Metro Police (EMPD) statement released following the accident, they “suspected cocaine, edibles, and pricey Don Julio tequila bottles were found in the vehicle belonging to the PSL soccer star”. 

Speaking to the media on Wednesday night after the game, Sekhukhune United coach Lehlogonolo Seema reiterated the club’s support for Mogaila. He defended his decision to return him to the field despite the culpable homicide case.  

“The team has been supporting him, and you can see his play. It was a very unfortunate accident, which can happen to any of us, and obviously, the player needed support and we gave him. Now it’s time for him to come back and try to clear his mind with something he likes doing, but I am happy with his performance after playing for such a long time, ” Seema said.

Mogaila is expected to return to the Thembisa Magistrate’s Court on May 19 for his third appearance.