There has been a major twist in the PSL off-season drama, as Cape Town City are understood to have won their SAFA arbitration case related to player eligibility – a development that could send shockwaves through the league.
The matter centres around Marumo Gallants midfielder Monde Mpambaniso, whose registration has come under scrutiny following allegations that he was improperly registered during the past season.
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According to Siya sources, City approached the SAFA arbitration tribunal to demand that the PSL Disciplinary Committee open an official investigation into the matter.
Their claim was that Mpambaniso, who played in 20 league matches, starting 11 of them, was not properly registered and therefore ineligible to participate.
“Cape Town City have won their SAFA arbitration case, and as things stand, they stand a chance of returning to topflight football,” a source close to the matter told the Siya crew.
“It’s a case involving Marumo Gallants player Monde Mpambaniso. City argued that he was improperly registered,” the source said.
Should the PSL DC now rule in favour of City, Gallants could be hit with multiple points deductions, for every match Mpambaniso played in, which would potentially see them relegated to the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
“If they lose, Gallants will get relegated as points will be deducted from all the matches where the player was involved, and Kaizer Chiefs will qualify for the Top Eight after initially missing out,” the source added.
Chiefs, who ended the campaign in ninth place, would benefit from the fallout, sneaking into the MTN8 should Gallants forfeit enough points to affect their standing on the final table.
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This potential reshuffling of the final league standings would not only affect relegation and promotion but could also have financial implications for the affected parties.
As of now, the PSL Disciplinary Committee is expected to convene soon to deliberate on the matter following the arbitration outcome.
