Orlando Pirates have broken their silence on a court application involving former finance manager Darryl Joselowsky, insisting that an effort to preserve funds linked to certain transactions should not be interpreted as a finding of wrongdoing.
Reports had claimed the club was seeking to freeze four bank accounts associated with Joselowsky, with a combined balance of about R20.2m.
Pirates confirmed that they had approached the High Court, but stressed that the application was intended to protect club funds while the transactions in question are investigated.
“The Club has asked the High Court to preserve funds linked to certain financial transactions while those transactions are investigated,” Pirates said in a statement. “This is a precautionary step to protect the Club’s funds during the process.”
The club also said the individual involved was cooperating and urged supporters and commercial partners not to be concerned about its operations.
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“The application is not a finding of wrongdoing and should not be interpreted as one,” the statement said. “The individual concerned is cooperating, and the Club is committed to a fair process for everyone involved.”
Pirates declined to comment further while the matter remains before the court, saying updates would be provided when appropriate.
The legal development comes as the club prepares for one of the biggest fixtures of its season, with Pirates confirming that tickets for next Saturday’s MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns have sold out.
Moses Mabhida Stadium will host a capacity crowd after all available tickets were reportedly snapped up within hours of going on sale.
Pirates said no tickets would be available at the stadium or physical outlets, with supporters who missed out able to watch the final through SuperSport PSL and SABC 1.
The focus on the pitch will now turn to a major domestic final, with Pirates and Sundowns meeting for the MTN8 trophy in Durban.