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Moroka Swallows have now set a date for their players to face an internal disciplinary hearing following charges of misconduct.
As revealed by SABC Sport earlier this week, The Dube Birds have accused the squad of initiating an “illegal strike”, which led to the Premier Soccer League having to cancel their fixture against Mamelodi Sundowns on 27 December just hours before kick-off.
As a precaution, their DStv Premiership clash against Golden Arrows scheduled a few days later was also called off, with the club having then finished 2023 on 23 December instead of the 30th.
The players – through a legal representative if they wish to do so – will now be afforded an opportunity to argue their case on Friday, 5 January 2024, and the club could fine or dismiss them if found guilty.
Swallows players, according to the SA Football Players’ Union (SAFPU), had been promised their December salaries early by chairman David Mogashoa, however, four days before the end of the month there was still no payment.
Mogashoa has since opened up about the reality of the club’s financial struggles amid rumours of a pending sale, should they find a willing buyer of their topflight status.
SABC Sport also reported last week that Gold Rush, a hospitality and gambling company, were on the verge of joining Swallows as a sponsor in a deal worth at least R15-million per season.
But, Mogashoa confirmed the stumbling block was the PSL's declaration for betting companies before the agreement could be ratified, as Gold Rush refused to agree thereto.
With the chairman having to rely solely on the R2 million grant from the League while being forced to top up from his own private business, the imminent fine for the cancelled fixtures as well as outstanding monies could punch a further hole in Mogashoa’s pocket.
