Durban City find themselves at the centre of a major controversy that could unravel their title-winning season and derail the Motsepe Foundation Championship play-offs. The dispute over winger Sazi Magawana’s eligibility has now been referred to the South African Football Association (SAFA) for direct arbitration, just before the promotion battle begins.
PSL dismisses protest but Spurs escalate
Earlier this week, the Premier Soccer League’s (PSL) Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC), led by Raymond Hack, dismissed a formal protest lodged by JDR Stars. The club alleged that Durban City fielded Magawana illegally throughout the campaign. Cape Town Spurs later joined the protest, backing claims that City’s title win was illegitimate due to Magawana’s disputed clearance.
At the heart of the controversy is the process through which Durban City acquired Magawana. The winger was previously registered with Marumo Gallants, who issued his clearance, enabling the move to City.
“We followed the proper channels,” Farook Kadodia insisted at Athlone Stadium, maintaining confidence in the legality of the transfer.
However, complications emerged after Gallants sold their club status to Leruma United and purchased a top-flight franchise from Moroka Swallows. Spurs and JDR now argue that Gallants no longer had the authority to issue Magawana’s clearance, claiming it should have come from Leruma United instead.
Spurs bypass PSL take case to SAFA
Despite the DRC ruling in Durban City’s favour, the matter has escalated. Spurs requested that Hack recuse himself from the proceedings. Before opting to bypass the PSL’s internal court, taking the case directly to SAFA.
SAFA must now decide whether to uphold the DRC’s decision or overturn it. If the ruling is reversed, City could lose all points from matches in which Magawana featured. A move that would dramatically shift the Championship standings and alter both promotion and relegation outcomes for the 2024/2025 season.
High stakes ahead of the play-offs
The clock is now ticking. With the play-offs set to begin next week, SAFA’s impending verdict holds the power to rewrite the league’s finale. And determine who truly deserves a place in the Betway Premiership.
Will Durban City be promoted or be relegated ?
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