South African Soccer Players Apologize For Nude Photo With Trophy

After the Orlando Pirates won the Nedbank Cup last Saturday over Bidvest Wits, players from the South African team got naked and took a photo in the shower with the trophy. Now, they've had to apologize for their celebration.

The photo made its way online earlier this week. It features players Thabo Matlaba, Lehlohonolo Majoro, and Thandani Ntshumayelo—among others—covering their junk while smiling as the trophy stands front and center. Ntshumayelo took blame for the picture getting out.

Floyd Mbele, the team's administrative manager, said players involved could face punishment—are there specific rules against a naked champion photo?—but he was more angry at the leak of the photo than the photo itself. From the AP report:

"Who are we to condemn players for celebrating?" [Mbele] said. "I mean you can ask most sports codes and it's something that happens, so this is not unique to Pirates. The fact that it's out in the media is another thing. But how many players get into their dressing rooms and do funny things after winning matches?"

The uncensored photo is below: