Connect with us

Sports

The DSTv PSL Is In Conflict With Its Own Rules – DETAILS

Published

on

Sekhukhune To Be Named GladAfrica Championship Winners - DETAILS

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) have brought football into disrepute by undermining the independence of its own judicial tribunal when it challenged the decision to award Sekhukhune United three points after Polokwane City were found guilty of contravening the rules of the GladAfrica Championship.

Instead of accepting the outcome, the PSL executive decided to challenge the decision by saying “it is the view of the League that it is not correct”.

This bewildering statement raised eyebrows in the football fraternity.

The GladAfrica Championship ended just over a week ago, but the winners were not declared.

Initially, the PSL disciplinary committee found Polokwane had contravened the competition rules against Sekhukhune. Polokwane were found guilty. It did not award the match points to Sekhukhune, who later appealed.

The PSL turned to the South African Football Association to handle the appeal via arbitration.

There is nothing difficult to understand about the decision to hand the points to Sekhukhune. In various sports codes, the team breaking the law forfeit points, and it is awarded to the opposing team.

The matter went before arbitrator Hilton Epstein who ruled that the PSL must award Sekhukhune three points.

The PSL did not object to the appeal going to the arbitrator. There was no reason to doubt that the correct decision would be made.

The National Soccer League, the umbrella body of PSL and NFD (National First Division) had updated the rules of competition with the advent of Covid-19. The rules spell out any issues that may arise because of Covid-19.

Polokwane had no difficulty accepting the decision until the PSL’s surprise reaction.

Polokwane have curiously gone this route even though the outcome does not affect their log position.

The PSL responded to the outcome by saying that “It is the view of the League that it is not correct”. They point out that PSL’s Disciplinary Code is “silent” on the matter. The rules cover the full spectrum of the competition.

In terms of the PSL constitution, the arbitration ruling is final and binding (Rule 25.4).

The PSL also announced that “the arbitration ruling has created uncertainty about the discretion afforded to the PSL Disciplinary Committee to determine an appropriate sanction for acts of misconduct in each case”.

The PSL’s response raised suspicion that a person or persons on the executive may have vested interests. The National Soccer League’s Board of Governors also expressed their dismay. The Board of Governors are elected by the PSL and NFD.

Later the PSL announced: “The Premier Soccer League has been threatened and served with court papers about an arbitration award handed down impacting the GladAfrica Championship table.”

The PSL did not name the club, but it has come to light that it is Polokwane.

Bizarrely, the PSL chose to remain ‘silent’ instead of advising Polokwane City that its 32 clubs may not approach the courts to seek recourse.

Rule 26 reads: “Any breach of this article will constitute misconduct which will be dealt with in terms of the League’s disciplinary procedures.”

Hopefully, the uncalled-for court action will take its course, and all will be resolved soon.

 

Share with Friends:
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Sports

WAFCON 2022 Final: Banyana Banyana Beat Morocco To Finally Land First Title

Published

on

WAFCON 2022 Final: Banyana Banyana Beat Morocco To Finally Land First Title

After four previous final failures, the South Africa ended several years of heartbreak by defeating host nation Morocco 2-1 to win the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the first time.

Hilda Magaia scored two quick goals midway through the second half to finally guide South Africa over the line, making her Banyana Banyana’s hero.

Although Rosella Ayane pulled a goal back for the Atlas Lionesses ten minutes from time, it was too little too late for a team making its first appearance in the final.

South Africa had lost their four previous finals: in 2000, 2008, 2012 and 2018.

“It was a humbling experience, and an emotional one, when you look at the journey that we have travelled as Banyana Banyana,” captain Refiloe Jane told BBC Sport Africa.

“To finally get to this point meant a lot for everyone. When the final whistle went out, I was crying. It was the most humbling and emotional experience.

“I don’t think I’ve ever cried so much after a football match – that goes to show our journey, everything that we had to go through and things have finally come together.”

For Banyana Banyana coach Desire Ellis, this was a hugely-satisfying win after first trying – and failing – as a player to win the trophy when losing the final 22 years ago.

After Ellis oversaw another final defeat, against Nigeria, four years ago from the touchline, her charges entered this tournament with a so-called ‘mentality coach’ in a bid to improve positivity.

“It feels amazing,” she told the BBC. “I’m an African champion now – and no one can take that away from us.”

South Africa needed real composure throughout the game to silence a raucous home crowd that had filled the 53,000-seater stadium at least two hours before kick-off, and which lit up the Rabat sky with dozens of red and white flares during the game.

 

Share with Friends:
Continue Reading

Sports

Mamelodi Sundowns Sign Bafana Bafana Captain Ronwen Williams

Published

on

Mamelodi Sundowns have reportedly landed the signature of Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen William on a five year deal, following week’s of speculation and negotiations.

According to the SABC, the 30 year old shot-stopper will leave SuperSport United after spending 18 years at the Pretoria based club.

Williams has reportedly been looking to leave the Matsatsantsa as he looks to challenge for trophies, and it appears he has found his new home at current DStv Premiership champions Sundowns.

“Indications are that the deal has been concluded, with Williams signing a long-term contract, while his former club have successfully negotiated the transfer of another goalkeeper in Ricardo Goss as well as young striker Thabang Sibanyoni to join coach Gavin Hunt’s side for the upcoming season,” SABC Sport reported on Wednesday.

According to the report, SuperSport Uniter were initially not willing to let their star goalkeeper go if they did not get Goss on a permanent deal, but they’ve now had to settle on a two-year loan, with striker Sibanyoni also thrown in.

The 28 year old Goss has found game time hard to come since making his move to Sundowns, but will now be reunited with Gavin Hunt, a man he previously worked with at Wits.

Sundowns are currently in KwaZulu-Natal on a pre-season camp, and will take part in this year’s edition of the Prince Mangosuthu Legacy Cup this weekend.

Share with Friends:
Continue Reading

Sports

Victor Letsoalo Signs For Sekhukhune United

Published

on

Victor Letsoalo Signs For Sekhukhune United

Sekhukhune United has announced the signing of Royal AM forward, Victor Letsoalo on a three year contract deal, according to reports.

Letsoalo was tipped to potentially join Kaizer Chief or Orlando Pirates, however, he signed for Sekhukhune United which comes a shock as reported by FARPost.

The 29-year-old Bafana Bafana forward ended the season finishing second on the goal-king chart behind top-scorer Peter Shalulile who found the back of the net 23 times. He scored 15 goals in the South African top-flight.

Letsoalo’s top performance in the past season for Royal AM side saw the newly promoted side who made their debut campaign in the South African top-flight league finishing 3rd, earning qualification to the CAF Confederation Cup.

It remains to be seen how Royal AM will cope with not only the departure of Letsoalo but also of former coach John Maduka who has since moved across Kwa-Zulu Natal to take charge of Maritzburg United.

Share with Friends:
Continue Reading

Sports

Jomo Cosmos Could Play GladAfrica Championship Football Next Season

Published

on

Jomo Cosmos Could Play GladAfrica Championship Football Next Season

Relegated Jomo Cosmos have been handed a lifeline and could play GladAfrica Championship football next season following discoveries of Hungry Lions fielding an ineligible player in 10 of their 30 games.

Jomo Cosmos submitted a formal complaint through their legal representatives with regards to the ‘illegal’ fielding of a player who is still on their books.

“It has recently come to our attention, Mr Tshepo Mohlala(the player) has been playing for Hungry Lions Football Club during the 2021/2022 football season, despite being a player of our client,” read the charge sheet of the Premier Soccer League.

“The player has never been cleared nor released by Jomo Cosmos Football Club and hence any games played for Hungry Lions Football Club constitute a breach of NSL handbook rules 30,31 and 32.”

Tshepo Mohlala, who was a part of the Ezenkosi amateurs set up in the 2015/2016 featured in matches that Hungry Lions managed to collect 15 points, he could be the reason the Northern Cape side are docked of these points which would subsequently relegate them and ensure Jomo Cosmos another season in the second tier of South African football.

Cosmo concluded their GladAfrica Championship campaign in 15th position after accumulating 28 points in their 30 matches.

Lions, who currently sit 11th on the log with 36 points could end up on 24 points if they are found guilty on the charges placed on them and that would mean they finish bottom of the log and Cosmos jump out to safety.

Lions and Mohlala are set to appear before the PSL DC on the 27th of June and will know their fate thereafter.

Share with Friends:
Continue Reading

Sports

Bafana icon Mark Fish Declares Support For Ria Ledwaba In SAFA Presidency Race

Published

on

Bafana icon Mark Fish Declares Support For Ria Ledwaba In SAFA Presidency Race

Former Bafana Bafana star Mark Fish has said that he is supporting Ria Ledwaba in the race for the SAFA presidency against Danny Jordaan.

Ledwaba is currently challenging for the SAFA presidency but is viewed as an outsider against competitor Danny Jordaan.

At the moment, I’m supporting Ria (Ledwaba). It’s not because we are ex-footballers. We are football fans as well. We need change. SAFA has done good things but we need change if we are to move forward. I think if we don’t see change now, it will be difficult to see improvement in grassroots football,” said Fish.

Fish insisted that change is now necessary if Bafana Bafana is to embark on a revival after nearly two decades of mediocrity on the field of play.

“We are giving support to an individual who has spoken to us as ex-players and said that she can bring change. We need change to move on. We need to get back to being number one in the continent and back to being among the top 20 or 25 in the World,” said Fish.

The former Charlton Athletic defender insisted that while he is supporting Ledwaba, he has no personal issues with Jordaan.

“Danny has never done anything wrong to me. I have a picture of Danny, myself and Benni McCarthy at the 1998 World Cup. I also have a picture of myself and Danny in Congo. He is passionate about the game.

Nothing has changed but I feel that we need a change of leadership. Ria has put up her hand and we are behind it because we feel that there should be change,” said Fish.

Share with Friends:
Continue Reading

Facebook

Africa Business Directory

Are you looking to increase your company's online presence in Africa? List your company on our No.1 business directory in South Africa & business directory in Africa as a whole on africabusinessfile.com.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending