SAFA arbitrator rebuffs Cape Town City’s appeal in Marumo Gallants case

Cape Town City have case dismissed

Idiski Times

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has dismissed Cape Town City’s appeal in their case against Betway Premiership club Marumo Gallants over the ineligible fielding of midfielder Monde Mpampaniso last season.

The Bloemfontein-based outfit returned to the South African elite league by virtue of purchasing the topflight status of Moroka Swallows at the beginning of last season. The Dube birds were in a financial crisis, prompting club boss David Mogashoa to sell the team.

Mpambaniso made 25 appearances across all competitions and scored two goals last season, having signed for the club in the 2024/25 season. City claims that the player was improperly registered, violating the PSL rules.

The relegated side is adamant that Mpamaniso didn’t have a clearance certificate from his previous club Leruma United, who were relegated to the third tier after their display in the second-tier division. United played in the NFD after purchasing the status of Gallants.

City’s case comes after the team was relegated to the Motsepe Foundation Championship after a dismal showing in the Betway Premiership last season. The Cape club finished in 15th place in the previous campaign.

The John Comitis-owned club had to save their topflight status via the gruesome PSL Promotional/Relegation playoffs. However, the club had to drop a division down after failing to reign supreme in the mini league.

It was Northwest side, Orbit College who emerged victorious in the playoffs and gained promotion to the Betway Premiership. Pogiso Makhoye’s side showed ambition by acquiring the services of Monnapule Saleng, who was discarded at Orlando Pirates last season.

The PSL Dispute Resolution Chamber dismissed City’s case, much to the frustration of Comitis, who took the matter to the SAFA arbitrator Hilton Epstein. The ruler ruled in favor of Gallants, giving them a fine, which saw City escalate the matter. A decision on the matter is pending.