TS Galaxy president Tim Sukazi has explained why he ordered the club’s social media team to remove a controversial graphic appearing to joke about a possible bribe involving Orlando Pirates ahead of their Betway Premiership meeting.

The Rockets have built a reputation for provocative online banter, using humour and carefully timed posts to attract attention before matches. Their recent social media activity has included jabs at Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, helping the club gain traction beyond the pitch.

However, one post targeting Pirates crossed a line in Sukazi’s view, prompting him to intervene and have it deleted.

The now-removed graphic, generated using artificial intelligence, depicted Pirates media officer Thandi Merafe chasing a man wearing TS Galaxy colours. The man was portrayed alongside a figure resembling Sukazi, recognisable by his trademark fedora and holding what appeared to be an envelope. The imagery referenced past online claims surrounding Pirates’ 6-0 victory over Galaxy last season.

Speaking to Andile Ncube on Metro FM’s Sports Nights Amplified, Sukazi explained that the club’s social media team had intended to use a subject already circulating in public discussion as the basis for football banter.

“They [social media team] reminded me of last season when Pirates beat us 6-0 and people said they bribed us, so they say they wanted to banter using that angle of where the people’s minds are already,” he said.

Sukazi said he understood the thinking behind the post but ultimately decided that the joke had gone too far.

“I said I completely understand it, but they should take it down because it was overboard,” he added.

His explanation highlights the challenge football clubs face when trying to maintain a bold social media identity without creating the impression that serious allegations are being made. While rivalry and online teasing have become familiar features of South African football culture, imagery involving bribery can carry implications beyond ordinary match-day jokes.

The graphic’s removal does not establish that any bribery took place. The reference was presented as part of the club’s intended banter, and Sukazi’s comments focused on the limits of that approach rather than substantiating the allegation.

TS Galaxy’s online presence has helped the club stand out in a competitive football environment, but Sukazi’s intervention shows that the club’s leadership is prepared to draw a line when a post risks being interpreted as going too far.

With rivalries involving Pirates and Chiefs continuing to attract attention, the episode offers a reminder that football humour can quickly become controversial when it touches on claims that could affect a club’s reputation.

Source: https://x.com/idiskitimes/status/2111163049524760831?s=46