Disgraced SA hockey coach deported from US after sex crime conviction
Clay, 40, who had been living in Flemington, New Jersey, was convicted in the US for engaging in sexually explicit communication with a 17-year-old girl while working as a field hockey coach at Mount Olive High School.
According to widespread media reports, Clay sent the minor inappropriate messages and allegedly offered her money in exchange for explicit photos.
In February 2025, a US judge ruled that Clay posed 'an endangerment to children', permanently barred him from working with minors, and ordered him to leave the country once his visa expired.
But Clay's return to South Africa has reopened old wounds for some of his former players.
One woman, who has since contacted the South African Hockey Association (SAHA), alleges that Clay began grooming her when she was just 13 years old.
'He should not be allowed to coach here,' she wrote in a message to SAHA.
'I don't want anyone else to go through what he did to me.'
The woman further claimed that Clay exploited 'many adolescent girls' during his coaching career in KwaZulu-Natal before relocating to the US.
Several former players, now adults, have begun to come forward with similar accounts.
In response, SAHA has issued a nationwide alert to clubs, schools, and sports organisations, warning them not to engage Clay in any coaching or mentoring capacity.
'All our affiliates have been informed about the potential risk. We strongly advise that no organisation engages his services,' said Gary Dolley, SAHA's senior safeguarding officer.
'SAHA remains committed to ensuring a safe space for all players and that includes taking decisive action against individuals who pose a threat.'
SAHA has also urged anyone with further information or concerns to come forward, as part of their ongoing effort to maintain the integrity and safety of the sport.
Once viewed as a respected coach with international experience, Clay's reputation has now been severely damaged, both locally and abroad.
It remains unclear whether he will attempt to return to the sport in South Africa, but victims and player welfare advocates are calling for a complete and permanent ban on his involvement in any youth or professional hockey structures.
'We cannot allow predators to quietly re-enter the system,' one former player said.
'There must be accountability and protection for young athletes.'
The situation has also prompted calls for stricter vetting and safeguarding policies across all South African sporting codes, particularly in youth development environments.
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