Cape Town City’s successful legal challenge against Marumo Gallants has thrown the Premier Soccer League (PSL) into a whirlwind and could dramatically alter the standings of the 2024/25 season. The ruling, which centered on the ineligible registration of Gallants midfielder Monde Mphambaniso, may have a domino effect impacting relegation, prize money distribution, and even Kaizer Chiefs’ qualification for the prestigious MTN8 tournament.
City’s Case Against Gallants
The heart of the controversy lies in Gallants’ administrative failure to correctly register Monde Mphambaniso following the club’s identity change from Leruma United. According to legal expert Kabelo Mashigo, the player never received clearance from his previous registration and was never properly re-signed under the new Gallants entity a breach of PSL regulations.
Mphambaniso featured in approximately 26 matches during the campaign, which Cape Town City argued was illegitimate. The South African Football Association (SAFA) arbitrator ruled in City’s favour, confirming that Gallants had indeed fielded an ineligible player throughout the season.
Relegation Reversed?
Cape Town City had finished 15th in the 2024/25 DStv Premiership season and failed to survive the promotion/relegation playoffs, effectively facing the drop to the Motsepe Foundation Championship. However, if Gallants are found guilty and docked points, City could move up to 14th on the table enough to retain their top-flight status.
“This isn’t a minor technicality,” said football analyst Biyela in an interview with Briefly News. “If Gallants lose those points, it changes everything standings, emotions, and millions in prize money.”
Kaizer Chiefs Could Sneak into the MTN8
One of the most unexpected side effects of this potential reshuffle is the opportunity it presents for Kaizer Chiefs. The Soweto giants finished ninth last season, missing out on MTN8 qualification. However, if Cape Town City leapfrog into 14th place, the team above them would drop pushing Chiefs into eighth.
“For Chiefs, it’s a miracle,” said Biyela. “They didn’t earn it on the pitch, but they’ll take it. For new coach Nasreddine Nabi, it’s a massive pressure release ahead of his debut.”
What’s Next?
The final verdict now rests with the PSL’s Disciplinary Committee (DC), but the silence from league officials has been described as “deafening.”
“The PSL must act swiftly,” warned Biyela. “Delays risk damaging the credibility of the league. Sponsors and fans deserve clarity.”
Gallants are expected to appeal the decision. If they do, legal proceedings could stretch into the new season, delaying the league kickoff and throwing scheduling into disarray.
The Potential Fallout for Gallants
If found guilty, Gallants could forfeit each match Mphambaniso played, resulting in automatic 3-0 losses up to 25 matches in total. Financially, this could cost the club more than R2.5 million in fines and a potential 75-point deduction, essentially ending their top-flight hopes.
“It’s embarrassing that no red flags were raised earlier,” Biyela added. “This highlights serious gaps in PSL oversight and governance.”
A League in Limbo
This case has exposed critical flaws in administrative checks within South African football. One paperwork error has the power to reshape an entire season, impacting not only team destinies but also league integrity.
As Biyela bluntly put it, “This isn’t just about who plays where. It’s about trust in the system. And right now, that trust is shaky.”
Possible Standings Shift (If Points Are Docked from Gallants)
| Team | Original Finish | Revised Finish (Projected) |
|---|---|---|
| Marumo Gallants | 14th | Bottom (After deductions) |
| Cape Town City | 15th (Relegated) | 14th (Saved) |
| Kaizer Chiefs | 9th | 8th (MTN8 Spot Secured) |
Key Takeaways:
- Cape Town City could avoid relegation due to a successful appeal.
- Marumo Gallants face massive sanctions for fielding an ineligible player.
- Kaizer Chiefs could benefit by unexpectedly qualifying for the MTN8.
- The PSL faces pressure to act quickly or risk a delayed and chaotic start to the 2025/26 season.
Related article: Cape Town City Drama Exposes PSL’s Ongoing Governance Crisis
