Cape Town Spurs appeal at SAFA arbitration delayed

The Urban Warrior, who have suffered relegation to the amateur ranks, are arguing that Durban City, winners of the Motsepe Foundation Championship, used an ineligible player in winger Sazi Magawana and should be docked points. 

READ: Durban City case not over as SAFA takes over

It’s believed the matter was meant to be heard by the arbitrator earlier this week, until a late withdrawal forced SAFA to look for an alternative and conclude the matter before the relegation/promotion play-offs get under way this weekend. 

Spurs were not alone in maintaining this point after JDR Stars also brought the issue to the Premier Soccer League's Dispute Resolution Chamber on the final day of the season, only to have the case dismissed. 

Raymond Hack, chairperson of the DRC, ruled that City followed the proper procedures to register Magawana when he joined on a free transfer from Marumo Gallants, despite the club selling their second-tier status to Leruma United when the player made the switch. 

Both Spurs and Stars insisted that Magawana’s clearance was incorrectly issued and therefore all the games he featured in should be reviewed.

The Cape-based outfit are desperately hoping the new arbitrator – once confirmed and appointed – overturns the DRC verdict so they can stay in the professional ranks as they too lodged a protest prior to their final game against City on 18 May.

This is a pressing matter and SAFA will be under pressure to deliver a ruling by Friday or risk a dark cloud hanging over which teams will actually be promoted and/or relegated, and which teams will feature in the PSL play-offs.