Molefe 'sorry' over Becks challenge

South Africa defender Thabang Molefe has apologised for the challenge which resulted in David Beckham suffering a broken bone at the bottom of his thumb.

Molefe, 23, is a Manchester United fan and insists he did not intentionally harm the England captain.

England won Thursday’s friendly 2-1 in Durban, but Beckham had to be substituted early in the second half and was taken to hospital.

“I feel sorry for him. I only realised after the match that his thumb was broken,” Molefe told The Sun.

“I tried to talk to him, but the media were all around him. If I had spoken to him I would have apologised.

“I am a United fan. Beckham is a very big player, one of the best in the world.”

The Jomo Cosmos player added: “Injury is part of the game. But my intention was to clear the ball, I wasn’t going for his arm or any part of his body.

“I am a Manchester United fan. I respect Beckham very much.”

Beckham will be in plaster for six to eight weeks, but should be fit enough to join his United team-mates on a pre-season tour of the United States in July.

Molefe wants a traditional Zulu healer to aid Beckham’s recovery.

“I will now use a Ju-ju man to make him feel better,” he said.

“He will not use medicine from a hospital, but instead he will use leaves and trees.”