Andile ‘Ace’ Ncobo has resigned from his soccer analyst role on SuperSport’s Extra Time after 13 years following fraud allegations. This comes as the PSL general manager and his wife, Salome Ncobo, appeared at Bellville Magistrate’s Court in the Western Cape on Monday on three counts of fraud and money laundering relating to a R15 million donation for school construction projects in the Eastern Cape.
They are accused of fraudulently applying for funds from PetroSA through a corporate social investment programme aimed at helping disadvantaged schools. Ncobo is said to have overseen and managed the construction from November 2008 which was completed in September 2009.
ALSO READ: Sweet Guluva’s sister passes on
Ncobo announced his resignation in a heartfelt message addressed to the show’s loyal viewers. Ncobo, a former FIFA referee, maintains his innocence. “The very first thing I did when I stepped out of court was to call my SuperSport football boss and inform him that I will immediately cease to be part of the show,” Ncobo revealed. “I do not want my personal circumstances to tarnish the valuable role that the show plays within the football ecosystem.”
ALSO READ: Four arrested in missing journalist case
He emphasised his innocence and lack of involvement in the matter. “Innocent as I know I am, innocent as the constitution of the country so dictates until a competent court finds to the contrary, I thought best to make this decision.” He said his time at PSL was rewarding but also challenging. “You loved me when my analysis favoured your club and hated me the very next week when it did not. Through it all, you were educated on the intricacies of refereeing decisions.” Ace was granted R50 000 bail while his wife was granted R30 000 bail. The provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani, said it is reported that the duo allegedly misrepresented PetroSA by claiming that Gangatha Junior Secondary School (JSS) required infrastructure. “They submitted proposals supported by forged trust deeds and donor documentation, creating a false impression that Gangatha Projects, a non-registered entity, was a legitimate channel for school development. PetroSA, relying on these presentations, paid R13 million to Gangatha JSS. The trust deed associated with King’s Gangatha Building Trust was not registered, and the signatures were allegedly falsified,” Hani said.
admin 
Cece Smith 