Former Bafana Bafana captain, Aaron “Mbazo” Mokoena, is reportedly entangled in a pursuit over a loan repayment default. In 2021, Mokoena allegedly borrowed R10,000 from George Risimati, a retired magistrate and director of Rhees & Rhees Legal Consultants, to secure his bond. However, Mokoena has purportedly failed to fulfill his repayment commitment.
Risimati, who encountered Mokoena during a soccer tournament years ago, clarified that their relationship wasn’t characterized as a friendship despite caring for him. Mokoena allegedly promised to repay the loan in June 2021 but unexpectedly disappeared. Despite efforts to contact him, Mokoena has reportedly blocked Risimati’s phone and changed addresses, making it challenging to locate him.
In January of the previous year, Mokoena received a letter of demand from Risimati’s legal representatives, R. Maswanganyi Attorneys Inc., seeking repayment of the R10,000 loan. The letter noted Mokoena’s apparent disinterest in fulfilling his obligation, setting a deadline of January 31, 2023.
Despite Mokoena’s plea to refrain from immediately filing a summons, citing potential damage to his reputation and jeopardizing an engagement with the South African Football Association (SAFA), the loan remains unpaid. Risimati, now a pensioner facing financial difficulties, has sought legal action.
Mokoena allegedly promised to pay and requested the delay of summons, citing potential harm to his reputation and a job opportunity with SAFA. However, Risimati, now facing financial challenges in retirement, is determined to recover the loan, expressing frustration over the delays and broken promises.
Efforts to reach Mokoena for comments were reportedly unsuccessful, as he did not respond to Sunday World’s inquiries. The case highlights the challenges Risimati faces in recovering the loan, with Mokoena seemingly evading contact and raising concerns about potential damage to his reputation and employment opportunities in the football industry.