Mamelodi Sundowns have “reacted angrily” to reports that they acted in an “unsporting” manner by registering Alje Schut as a local
Dutch defender Schut arrived last season from Holland and was straight away given permanent residence under the category of ‘financial independence’.
According to Home Affairs legislation, this special category of permanent residence may be issued to a foreign national who has a minimum net worth of R7,5-million and who pays a fee of R75,000.
The Sowetan suggested that Sundowns “bought” Schut that status, the implication being that they aided him in getting his net worth to the said amount.
The Sowetan suggested that Sundowns may register Glenn Verbauwhede and Emmanuel Mathias in the same category.
“They bought him [Schut] special status in the ‘category of financial independence’ in a ruse that, while not illegal, is unsporting and caught a dithering Premier Soccer League unaware.
It is unclear if Sundowns have tried to register both Mathias and Verbauwhede, or one of the two, using a similar subterfuge,” The Sowetan report states.
Sundowns seem to have misread the article, claiming in their rebuttal that The Sowetan suggested they had acted illegally, while in fact the article states that the action “while not illegal, is unsporting”.
The club also denied that they “bought” Schut his permanent residence outright, but whether or not they utilised the legal loophole is unclear.
The Brazilians have registered Zimbabweans Khama Billiat and Cuthbert Malajila, Ghanaian Rashid Sumaila, Togolese Dove Wome as their five foreign players for 2013/14.
They are reported to have registered Zambian Mukuka Mulenga, although he is not on the latest list of registered players released by the PSL this week.
According to communications manager Thulani Thuswa, the club is waiting on his work permit.
Thuswa also reveals that Verbauwhede is also waiting on a work permit and will be registered as a local under the category of financial independence, while Mathias will be loaned out.
Also missing from the list of registered players is Zimbabwe international Lionel Mutizwa, who was on loan to Pretoria University last season.
Mozambican Elias Pelembe, Liberian Anthony Laffor, Zambian Kennedy Mweene and Zimbabwean Esrom Nyandoro all have South African qualify for permanent residence.
The club has terminated the contracts of Emmanuel Baffour and Mumuni Abubakar, who may move on as free agents.
According Thuswa, Abubakar will be moving to Black Leopards, while the club is negotiating a release with Baffour.