Durban City case not over as SAFA takes over

The Premier Soccer League Dispute Resolution Chamber [DRC] led by Raymond Hack on Tuesday dismissed JDR Stars’ claim that City used an ineligible player – winger Sazi Magawana – during the season.

Stars were later supported by Cape Town Spurs in arguing that the KZN outfit could not be legitimately crowned champions of the second tier in SA football due to Magawana having been issued his clearance incorrectly.

The player was on the books of Marumo Gallants last season but joined City, who needed him cleared to move on and believe they had followed the proper channels to make sure Magawana is transferred to them for free by his former employers.

But with Gallants selling their status to Leruma United and purchasing the topflight franchise of Moroka Swallows to pave the way for their return to the Betway Premiership, rival clubs have now insisted it’s United who should have issued the player his clearance – not Gallants.

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However, the DRC ruled in favour of City earlier this week before hearing a similar matter involving Spurs.

The public broadcaster has been informed that Spurs initially asked Hack to recuse himself before opting to skip the PSL court and refer the matter directly to the motherbody SAFA for arbitration.

SAFA must now decide before the play-offs get underway next week on whether to uphold the ruling by the DRC or overturn it and strip City of all the points Magawana would have featured in.

That outcome would change the log standings in the National First Division and affect the promotion and relegation for the 2024/25 season.