Young Lions stranded as SAFA North West continues to fixture former club - Lerumo Lions

Young Lions acquired the ABC Motsepe League status from Lerumo Lions of Bethanie, who themselves bought the status of Pretoria Callies and now compete in the Premier Soccer League’s Motsepe Foundation Championship. Documents seen by SABC Sport, including the sale agreement, contract, club registration form, and a letter of good standing from the Moses Kotane LFA, confirm that the name change was authorised and effective as of 6 September 2025.

However, SAFA North West has continued to fixture Lerumo Lions instead of Young Lions. The latest Stream A log on the MySAFA platform still lists Lerumo Lions at the bottom of the table with zero matches played, while other teams have already completed between six and eight fixtures.

In correspondence dated 21 November 2025, SAFA NW Provincial Executive Officer Mpho Matsi wrote:

“The association will proceed with the current league fixture, which includes Lerumo Lions FC. However, please note that any team participating in the league must first be formally registered.”

This was despite Young Lions having already submitted their registration documents in September.

Lerumo Lions responded to clarify the status transfer, stating:

“Please be advised that Lerumo Lions has officially transferred its ABC Motsepe League status to Mantserre Young Lions FC. This was communicated to SAFA North West well in advance and confirmed in your letter dated 30 September 2025.

“We further confirm that Lerumo Lions now participates in the Motsepe Foundation Championship and will not be competing in the ABC Motsepe League. Mantserre Young Lions is the rightful holder of the ABC Motsepe League status. All required documents have been submitted, the registration fees have been paid, and the affiliation has been completed.

“We therefore request that Mantserre Young Lions FC be duly registered and afforded the opportunity to register their players, as Lerumo Lions will not be participating in the ABC Motsepe League.”

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Despite this clarification, the team was not registered on the system and subsequently missed out on participating in the Nedbank Cup provincial qualifiers, the pathway to the competition’s last 32 stage alongside PSL clubs.

Young Lions official Knowledge Shoko revealed the financial strain the situation has caused:

“We assembled the team in mid-August, with the expectation that we would compete in the Nedbank Cup and then commence our league campaign. Since then, the team has been training continuously.

“We secured housing for the players and have been providing food and toiletries. Over 30 players are currently staying at the clubhouse, and we transport them to the training facility daily.

“All players have undergone medical and physiotherapy check-ups. We also have a full technical team in place, who are contracted and accommodated by the club.”

With player registrations having closed on 14 November 2025, it is uncertain how Young Lions would be able to register their squad should they eventually be permitted to compete.

SABC Sport approached SAFA North West for comment almost a week ago, but no response has been received.