The newly appointed coach for Cape Town City FC, Jan Vreman at training amid the fight to return to the Betway Premiership Soccer League. Image: Cape Town City FC on X
(The Post News)- Due to a legal snag involving one player’s eligibility, Monde Mphambaniso, Cape Town City’s demotion to the National First Division (NFD) may possibly be overturned. A decision from SAFA’s arbitration panel, presided over by Advocate Nazier Cassim, has now supported the club’s challenge and mandated that the PSL’s Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) consider their case. Marumo Gallants can face consequences for allegedly fielding an ineligible player if the outcome is successful. a choice that might cost them their place in the top division and bring City back to the top.
Mphambaniso played for Marumo Gallants in the NFD during the 2023–2024 season. The team was eventually sold and renamed Leruma United. When new owners purchased Moroka Swallows’ PSL status after that season, the Gallants name was brought back to life. returning to the Gallants’ banner for the 2024–2025 season, but this time in the top level.
The issue starts there, since Cape Town City claims that Mphambaniso did not have a clearance certificate when he registered with the new Gallants for the current PSL season. in contravention of NSL Handbook Rule 31.8.9.3. When a player’s contract is terminated or expires, this rule obviously calls for such a document.
Leruma United, the last entity for whom Mphambaniso played?Marumo Gallants, the newly re-formed PSL team? Or should the matter have gone through the PSL DRC to declare Mphambaniso a free agent?
The situation of Gallants is complex. Despite having the same name, it is a new entity. Legally speaking, they are not the same as the NFD team that Mphambaniso played for. They are unable to self-issue his clearance as a result.
Zola Majavu, the PSL prosecutor, had previously declined to take the matter further, claiming that the registration procedure was free of blatant misconduct. Even though he doesn’t personally think the clearance issue alone warrants a finding of ineligibility, Advocate Cassim’s arbitration now compels the league to look into the matter.
He doesn’t close the door, though. Now, the PSL DRC has to assess if there was misconduct, especially in relation to registration procedures. This past season, Mphambaniso played in 26 games for Gallants.
Gallants scored 28 of their 32 points during those games. Those points could be taken away if the PSL DRC determines that the player was not eligible. When Snding Marumo drops below four points, they could be automatically relegated or sent into the relegation playoffs.
Given that Cape Town City may be added back to the DStv Premiership, the ramifications are profound. It is possible that the just finished promotion/relegation playoffs between Casric Stars and Orbit College may be replayed.
Depending on a revised outcome, the 2025–2026 season may need to start later than planned. The PSL DRC is required by Cassim’s ruling to look into the viability of Cape Town City’s challenge. The proceedings now move from theory to tribunal, although he does not preempt a decision regarding whether Mphambaniso’s clearance impacts his eligibility.
This is the city of Cape Town’s last chance. For Marumo Gallants, a crisis is imminent. For South African football, though, it presents yet another legal challenge.
One that highlights the difficulties and weaknesses associated with player registrations, status swaps, and regulatory compliance. The PSL DRC is now the centre of attention. Will they defend the status quo or enforce the rules?
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