Premier Soccer League (PSL) prosecutor Zola Majavu has issued an update on the disciplinary proceedings against Black Leopards Football Club, confirming that the Limpopo side has already been found guilty in one case of failing to meet the required number of Under-23 players in a matchday squad.
Black Leopards appeared before the PSL Disciplinary Committee (DC) after University of Pretoria lodged a protest against their fixture, citing non-compliance with the regulation that requires a minimum of five Under-23 players in the squad.
“I can confirm that earlier this afternoon Black Leopards Football Club appeared before the PSL DC to answer to charges of fielding less than the prescribed number of under-23 players, which is five, in their match against University of Pretoria,” Majavu said.
Following the hearing, Leopards pleaded guilty.
“Black Leopards pleaded guilty after the evidence was led and, having listened to all the submissions, the DC found them guilty,” Majavu explained.
The club has been given 14 days to submit written arguments on sanction before the DC hands down a final punishment.
Second Protest: Lerumo Lions
In a separate matter, Lerumo Lions also lodged a protest against Leopards on the same grounds.
“In the intervening period there was a further protest lodged by Lerumo Lions Football Club on precisely the same basis, in that in their fixture less than five under-23 players were fielded,” Majavu confirmed.
That case has been postponed at their request to be heard before a differently constituted DC panel, a request that was not opposed and was granted.
Urgency Stressed
Majavu underlined the importance of finalizing the matters promptly to avoid complications for the league.
“I intend enrolling this by no later than the end of next week so that these matters are not delayed, especially to the extent that they may have some bearing on points,” he said.
“We all know what could happen if these issues are not dealt with expeditiously. I have every intention of finalizing these matters so that come end of the season we don’t have unnecessary delays.”
For now, the prosecutor has drawn a line under public commentary until rulings are finalized.
“There will be no further commentary on this matter until I formally announce the outcome of these matters once finalized. End of the story.”
Black Leopards have been hit with a transfer ban, leaving them unable to register new players. This has forced captain Thendo Mukumela, a defender by trade, to play as a makeshift goalkeeper in all their matches so far this season.
The DC’s final outcome will determine the extent of the punishment, which could include fines and/or forfeited matches, outcomes that may have significant implications for Leopards’ campaign in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.