Cape Town City win Gallants case leaving start of PSL season in the balance

The case centres on midfielder Monde Mphambaniso, whom Gallants fielded in 26 matches last season. 

City alleged that the player was improperly registered, claiming Gallants failed to produce the necessary clearance certificate, a requirement under NSL Rule 31.8.9.3, following Mphambaniso’s prior registration with a Leruma United in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

On Monday, SAFA’s arbitrator Nazeer Cassim ruled in City’s favour, instructing the PSL’s disciplinary committee to investigate Mphambaniso’s eligibility. If Gallants are found guilty, they could be docked points for matches in which the player featured – a punishment that may see Cape Town City reinstated to the top division, just weeks after their relegation via the promotion playoffs.

Such a late upheaval would wreak havoc on the league’s preparations, with the MTN8 set to begin this weekend and the Premiership kicking off on August 9.

City chairman John Comitis, however, is not yet celebrating. “I will not comment on anything until the matter reaches its conclusion,” he told Sowetan. “I hope you understand.”

Gallants, meanwhile, have attempted to downplay the ruling. Spokesperson Sello Nduna said the club had received no formal communication from the league. “We only saw it on social media,” he said. “We will have to wait… I don’t want to comment until we officially receive anything.”

The league now faces a fraught few days. If Gallants are penalised, it would be a bitter blow for the Bloemfontein-based club, who finished 10th last season. For the PSL, it poses a far larger question: can the new season go ahead as planned — or is a late reshuffle now inevitable?