Cape Town City has secured a significant victory at SAFA arbitration, which has ordered the PSL Disciplinary Committee (DC) to launch an investigation into alleged player ineligibility concerning Marumo Gallants.
Should the DC find Gallants guilty, it could lead to points deductions for the Limpopo-based club in games where the player in question featured, potentially paving the way for City’s reinstatement into the Betway Premiership.
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The player at the center of this dispute is midfielder Monde Mphambaniso, who made 26 appearances for Marumo Gallants last season. Cape Town City’s contention, which led to their appeal against an earlier PSL Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) award, is that Gallants fielded Mphambaniso without his clearance certificate being properly issued to the League ahead of the 2024/25 season.
Mphambaniso, who was either in the starting line-up or on the substitutes’ bench for 26 matches, had previously been with Marumo Gallants. That being said, his re-registration became problematic after the club’s original National First Division status was sold to Leruma United last year, as Gallants subsequently purchased Moroka Swallows’ top-flight status.
Cape Town City, who were recently relegated to the Motsepe Foundation Championship via the play-offs, argues that Gallants breached Rule 31.8.9.3 of the NSL Handbook. This rule specifically outlines the registration process for players who were previously registered with a different club.
Unprecedented Ruling and DC Hearing
SAFA Arbitrator Nazeer Cassim SC ruled in favor of Cape Town City, ordering the PSL DC to investigate the merits of the case involving Gallants and Mphambaniso. The Arbitrator determined that the DRC had “erred” in its original handling of the matter.
In an almost unprecedented turn of events, coming just days before the kick-off of the MTN8 and Betway Premiership competitions next month, this ruling could significantly disrupt the start of the new season should the DC’s outcome also favor City.
The PSL has responded swiftly to the SAFA Arbitrator’s award. Marumo Gallants have been officially charged by the PSL, along with midfielder Monde Mphambaniso, for being fielded without a proper clearance.
The exact sanctions for Bahlabane Ba Ntwa are still unclear, as is the direct benefit for Cape Town City. However, a guilty verdict would almost certainly mean Gallants are docked points for every game Mphambaniso featured in.
A crucial DC hearing is scheduled for later today, July 31, 2025, which will determine the immediate progress for Cape Town City.