Mamelodi Sundowns have confirmed receiving a surprise charge from the Premier Soccer League for bringing the league into disrepute.
The Siya crew contacted senior club official Yogesh Singh after learning that the league had scheduled a hearing on Monday after a complaint that Downs and Stellenbosch FC delayed their DStv Premiership encounter in November without permission.
Both sides paused play to clap during the 16th minute in honour of Anele Ngcongca, who died in a car accident that same month.
Ngcongca wore jersey No. 16 at Chloorkop.
According to the PSL, as the complainant, the two clubs breached Rule 55 of the NSL handbook and the league appears incensed that no prior permission was arranged.
It comes as a shock given everyone at the venue and those watching from home applauded the tribute by Downs for a player of Ngcongca’s stature, even after he’d left the club and had completed a move to AmaZulu a few days before his tragic death.
“We can confirm that we have been charged and the matter is sitting on Monday,” was all Singh would say when contacted by the Siya crew.
Sundowns also had shirts made to honour the late Genk and Bafana Bafana defender, whose only club in South African professional ranks was the Brazilians.
The hearing is expected to take place virtually on Monday at 5pm.
