By Paul Nyathi|A young female security guard is battling for her life in hospital after she was badly beaten and abused by rioting South African football giants Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday night at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

A teenage ball boy and scores of other innocent spectators were also injured while over R5 million of property was also damaged in the process as the angry Kaizer Chiefs fans rioted at the end of the club’s loss in the Nedbank Cup semifinal to Free State Stars.

The security guard, who was set upon by a group of hooligans on the pitch at the end of the game, was severely hurt, hit about the head by objects in full view of helpless stadium security personnel.

Paramedics treated several other injuries amid the lawless carnage as fans set fire to an SABC camera and damaged several others belonging to host broadcaster SuperSport.

Technicians maning the equipment claim that there was at least R2-million’s worth of damage to their equipment, with several items stolen.

A further estimated R3-million of damage was done to audio equipment used for the match entertainment. Speakers around the field were kicked to pieces.

Police and stadium security were overrun as fans invaded the pitch at the end of the game, heading directly for embattled Chiefs coach Steve Komphela, who quit immediately after the game.

Seats and advertising hoardings were ripped out and a fire started on the eastern side of the stadium.

Two cars in the parking lot behind the stadium were also damaged, one belonging to a photographer, Anesh Debiky.

Police fired teargas into the crowd at one stage in an effort to quell the violence.

A small band of Free State Stars supporters were also attacked but got to safety as their club’s general manager Rantsi Mokoena went to their rescue.

At least two hours after the final whistle the pitch was littered with debris as the two teams delayed their departure from the venue until the majority of spectators had been cleared from precinct.

PSL spokesman Lux September condemned the “lawless violence” but a full statement from the league is expected later.

Coach Steve Khompela immediately resigned saying that he is doing so for the good of the game and security of fans.

“We have to cut this culture of ill-discipline and delinquency. I have to be responsible and protect the players and administration, and set an example that this must stop,” said Komphela.

“If it has to stop with me, then it must be so … I am effectively saying to you that I consider it my responsibility to protect everybody at stake.”

The club’s football manager, Bobby Motaung, added: “There has to be a reality check. We are not safe. We must take responsibility and own up and accept the facts. We have always honoured [our] obligations.

“Steve has done a great job for Kaizer Chiefs but unfortunately if it is not meant to be, it is not meant to be. The results are not happening. As a coach he knows we are faced with a serious challenge.

“We have had discussions with the coach and said, let’s do the honourable thing. The coach is stepping down with immediate effect.”

Komphela said football was about results and he was confident he was leaving Chiefs with a framework for the future.