Promoted Durban City cleared over player protest

Durban City look to be free to prepare for life in the Betway Premiership after a Premier Soccer League Disciplinary Committee (PLS DC) decided on Tuesday that they were entitled to field midfielder Saziso Magawana in a game against JDR Stars.

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“The PSL DC concluded a protest launched by JDR Stars, having listened to the evidence … the PSL dismissed that protest with costs to be paid by … JDR Stars. The PSL found nothing wrong with the registration of Mr Magawana,” said PSL prosecutor Zola Majavu.

Spurs protest against Durban City moved to Wednesday

Majavu added that the PSL had received a protest over the same player from Cape Town Spurs. That matter was also suppsoed to be heard on Tuesday as well.

“Legal representatives from Cape Town Spurs requested the matter to be postponed to tomorrow (Wednesday) to make their witness available,” added Majavu.

“That matter is scheduled to proceed tomorrow at 4.30 pm, whereafter a decision will hopefully be made regarding that protest.”

Majavu added that there was still provision for JDR Stars to appeal the PSL’s decision.

“As it stands (that case) currently stands as dismissed,” added Majabu, however.

It seems unlikely Spurs would get any different result from their protest than Stars.

Magawana joined Durban City for the 2024/25 season. The protests have arisen from the fact that it was Marumo Gallants that issued his clearance, and not Leruma United, who had bought the first division status of Gallants.

Spurs’ case looks increasingly desperate given that a 1-0 loss to Durban City on the weekend meant that they were relegated to the third tier of South African football.

‘Respecting the rights’

The PSL did take the step of not handing the Motsepe Foundation Trophy over to Durban City after Sunday’s game.

“I will give a furher update on Cape Town Spurs after tomorrow,” added Majavu.

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“I can also assure football loving consumers that the league is doing all it can to make sure normal activities are not disrupted, while respecting the rights of all parties involved. This is precisely why the league took the decision in respect of delaying the crowning of the champions.”