Orlando Pirates Goalkeeper Faces Court Wrath Over Child Maintenance Dispute

Orlando Pirates’ second-choice goalkeeper Melusi Bhazi finds himself embroiled in a troubling legal battle that has attracted significant public attention.

The goalkeeper is currently facing serious child maintenance charges, with the court expressing frustration over his repeated failure to attend hearings.

This saga has not only affected Bhazi’s personal reputation but has also begun to cast a shadow over the club itself.

The story first emerged several months ago when reports surfaced that Bhazi was being taken to maintenance court by two of his baby mamas.

Both women accused him of neglecting his parental responsibilities, specifically failing to provide financial support for their children.

The initial court dates were missed by Bhazi, who sent his lawyer in his place, further aggravating the situation.

One of the baby mamas alleged that Bhazi failed to pay the monthly maintenance fees on time, despite being ordered to pay 5,000 rand each month.

She also claimed that he refused to increase payments to meet the growing needs of the child.

Adding fuel to the fire, she pointed out that Bhazi frequently flaunted a luxurious lifestyle on social media, which contrasted sharply with his failure to support his offspring financially.

The second baby mama took to YouTube to publicly express her disappointment over Bhazi’s lack of support, highlighting the emotional toll the situation was taking on her and the child.

Bhazi himself acknowledged the legal proceedings, stating that he could not afford the 12,000 rand maintenance demanded by the second baby mama.

This admission came in January 2025, when the case first began to gain media attention.

Fast forward to recent weeks, and the situation has escalated.

Bhazi finally appeared in court at the Rand Magistrate Court but was met with stern rebuke from the magistrate.

A video clip obtained by Times Live shows the magistrate delivering a harsh reprimand, condemning Bhazi for disrespecting the court and causing unnecessary delays.

The magistrate emphasized that the court’s schedule had been disrupted because of Bhazi’s absence and urged him to take the proceedings seriously.

According to sources, Bhazi attempted to avoid attending a subsequent court date by claiming he would be in Spain with Orlando Pirates for team commitments.

However, the court verified with the club and discovered that Pirates were willing to release him from duties to attend the hearing.

This revelation painted Bhazi’s excuse as misleading, further damaging his credibility.

The next court appearance is scheduled for August 4th, just days after Orlando Pirates’ first league match of the season.

The timing adds pressure on Bhazi to resolve the matter promptly, as ongoing legal distractions could impact his focus and availability for the club.

Adding complexity to the issue is the claim that Orlando Pirates are not paying Bhazi adequately, which allegedly hampers his ability to meet maintenance obligations.

This has led to the club being indirectly dragged into the controversy, with some questioning their role in supporting the player during this difficult time.

Football analysts and fans alike have voiced their disappointment at Bhazi’s conduct.

Many emphasize that regardless of salary or personal circumstances, fulfilling parental responsibilities is a fundamental duty.

The failure to respect court orders and the attempt to dodge appearances have been widely condemned as irresponsible behavior unbecoming of a professional athlete.

Moreover, the situation highlights a broader concern about the impact of off-field issues on player performance and club reputation.

Orlando Pirates, one of South Africa’s most prominent football teams, now face the challenge of managing the fallout while supporting their player to rectify the situation.

The case also raises questions about the legal processes surrounding child maintenance in South Africa and the difficulties some individuals face in balancing financial responsibilities with personal and professional pressures.

While Bhazi’s situation is unique given his public profile, it underscores the importance of accountability and transparency.

As the court date approaches, all eyes will be on Melusi Bhazi to see how he navigates this legal minefield.

The hope among supporters and commentators is that he will take the necessary steps to resolve the dispute amicably and demonstrate maturity and responsibility.

In the meantime, the Orlando Pirates community is left to grapple with the negative headlines and the potential distraction this case may pose as the new season unfolds.

The club’s management will likely be under pressure to address the issue internally and provide guidance to their player.

The saga serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of neglecting personal responsibilities and the scrutiny public figures face when their private matters become public.

It reminds athletes and fans alike that professionalism extends beyond the pitch and into all areas of life.

Ultimately, the resolution of this case will not only affect Bhazi’s future but may also influence perceptions of Orlando Pirates as a club that supports its players both on and off the field.

The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the goalkeeper can restore his reputation and refocus on his footballing career.

Stay tuned for updates as this story develops and as the court proceedings unfold.

The hope remains that responsibility and respect for the law will prevail, allowing Bhazi to move forward positively.