The South African Football Association (SAFA) has apologized to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) over age-cheating allegations made by the coach of South Africa’s Under 17 women’s team against Ghana.

Coach Marshilo made the allegations after the Black Maidens eliminated South Africa 5-1 on aggregate to qualify for the Fifa Under 17 Women’s World Cup.

But SAFA has apologized for the comments made by the coach in a letter written to the Ghana Football Association.

Below is the full text of the letter signed by SAFA Chief Executive Dr. Robin Petersen:

I would like to take this opportunity to, on behalf of the South African Football Association, apologise 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.

The statement made by Mr Mashilo is not only against the good spirit of friendship and fair play but it has also caused immense embarrassment for this 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.