Bethuel Muzeu cleared to join Sekhukhune as Leopards dispute ends

This brings an end to the dispute that had left the Namibian international in limbo for several weeks even after being announced by Babina Noko. 

“Muzeu has been given his clearance to join Sekhukhune. Whatever issues were there have been ironed out and we wish the player the best of luck,” Thidiela told the public broadcaster this week. 

The 26-year-old forward had been announced by Babina Noko as one of their newest arrivals early last month, only for Leopards to withhold his clearance.

Reports suggested Muzeu had moved to Sekhukhune on a free transfer after Leopards were relegated from the Motsepe Foundation Championship to the ABC Motsepe League, effectively making them an amateur club.

NSL regulations allow players at non-professional entities to move without a transfer fee, with the Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) having set a precedent last year when it confirmed the free agency of several Cape Town Spurs players following the Urban Warriors’ relegation.

Comments from Sekhukhune coach Cedric Kaze and captain Daniel Cardoso had suggested that Muzeu’s work permit was the main obstacle. 

However, SABC Sport understands that the dispute between the two clubs also contributed to the delay.

Leopards are currently challenging their relegation after handing the matter to their attorneys. The club alleges that the Premier Soccer League negatively affected their start to the 2025/26 season by prematurely enforcing a FIFA registration ban.

The world governing body ultimately proceeded with the sanction, leaving Leopards to play several matches without their full squad available. 

On one occasion, defender Thando Mukumela was forced to play as a makeshift goalkeeper after the club were unable to register enough players because of the ban.

Leopards remain confident their case is winnable and had warned players who left the club to do so at their own peril.

Thidiela, however, played down suggestions that Leopards had attempted to prevent their former players from leaving.

“I think some of the reports in the media have been exaggerated. Look around and you will see that Kruger and Milford have a few of our former players on their books now – what does that tell you?” he said.