The South African Football Association (SAFA), has apologized to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) about the allegations of over-aged cheating made by the head coach of their National female Under-17 team against their Ghanaian counterparts.

Coach Greg Mashilo, head coach of the South African team, alleged after a match against Ghana, when his side were eliminated in the Fifa Under 17 Women’s World Cup qualifier that, the Ghanaian side fielded over age players.

In a letter signed by Dr Robin Peterson, Chief Executive of SAFA sent to the GFA and copied to the GNA Sports in Accra, it said, “we apologize without reservation for the comments made by the coach of our Under 17 National Women’s Team: Mr Mashilo about players of the Ghana Under 17 Women’s Team after the qualifying match for the Fifa Under 17 Women’s World Cup played in Accra on Friday 23 March 2012”.

It added that the comments by Mashilo were not only against the good spirit of friendship and fair play but it has also caused immense embarrassment for the Association.

“We would also like to distance the Association completely from the statement and make you aware that it was made without knowledge or mandate of the Association.

“It is my sincere hope that the Ghana Football Association will accept our apology and not allow the matter to strain our long standing friendly relations in any way”. The letter stated.**