LONDON Aug 13 (Reuters) – South Africa team manager Dr
Mohammed Moosajee has issued an official statement in response
to the continuing fallout from the Kevin Pietersen
text-messaging affair.
Pietersen has been dropped by England for the third and
final test against the visiting South Africans after allegations
were made that he had sent texts to unnamed Proteas players,
criticising England team mates and coaching staff.
Dr Moosajee’s statement on the Cricket South Africa website
(cricket.co.za) described the text messages as “banter” and, as
such, “perfectly acceptable”.
“There have been untruthful allegations in the media
implicating members of our squad in the current issue between
Kevin Pietersen and the ECB,” the statement said.
“We stand by the same stance we have taken since we heard
news about the allegations.
“Text messages were sent, but like we said before it was
banter amongst team mates, which we feel is perfectly
acceptable.
“The ECB has not made a formal approach to myself or any
member of the team to see the text messages, as is currently
being reported in the media.
“Allegations that Dale Steyn and AB de Villiers were the
recipients of the texts are unfounded, and until such time that
the allegations are met with the correct facts and evidence, we
shall not comment.
“This internal issue between Kevin Pietersen and the ECB has
been publicised for weeks even before we even arrived in the UK,
and we do not want to get ourselves involved in an issue that
has nothing to do with us.
Continued…
