No MTN8 Lifeline for Kaizer Chiefs After PSL Lets Gallants Off the Hook
Kaizer Chiefs’ hopes of sneaking into the MTN8 have been dashed after the Premier Soccer League’s (PSL) Disciplinary Committee ruled against a points deduction for Marumo Gallants. Instead, the Limpopo-based club received a monetary fine for fielding an improperly registered player. This decision has massive ripple effects for the 2024/25 season’s final standings.
The Controversial Case That Shook the League
The matter at hand centred on Gallants’ registration of Monde Mpambaniso without the necessary clearance certificate. This was a direct violation of the PSL’s regulations. Initially, the league declined to prosecute Gallants, prompting Cape Town City to take the matter further by approaching SAFA’s arbitration tribunal. This tribunal ultimately instructed the PSL to act.
Gallants appeared before the PSL Disciplinary Committee and pleaded guilty to the charge. The player himself was absolved of any wrongdoing.
The Sanction: Just a Slap on the Wrist?
In a ruling that has left many stakeholders frustrated, PSL prosecutor Zola Majavu confirmed that Gallants were fined R200,000. Half payable immediately. The remaining amount suspended for 24 months on the condition that the club commits no further similar infractions during that period.
Gallants must also cover the administrative costs of the disciplinary process. However, there were no sporting sanctions, such as a points deduction, imposed on the club.
Relegation Confirmed for Cape Town City
The ruling is a bitter blow for Cape Town City, who had banked on this case being their last shot at remaining in the Premiership. Had Gallants lost points, the Citizens would have moved up to 14th on the log. This would have allowed them to escape relegation and force Gallants into the drop zone.
Instead, the club must now accept its fate in the lower division for the upcoming season. Their earlier attempts to purchase another club’s status were unsuccessful. This legal defeat closes the door on all possible reprieves.
Kaizer Chiefs Miss MTN8 Lifeline
The impact of the decision goes beyond Cape Town. Kaizer Chiefs, who finished ninth in the league, were monitoring the outcome closely. A points deduction for Gallants would have bumped Amakhosi into eighth place, just enough to secure a spot in the prestigious MTN8 competition.
Instead, with the standings frozen as is, Chiefs will be on the sidelines when the tournament kicks off this weekend. It’s a disappointing end to an already underwhelming campaign for one of the country’s most supported clubs.
Frustrations Run Deep in the Football Community
The PSL’s decision has sparked widespread debate among fans and pundits alike. For many, the guilty verdict against Gallants validates the concerns raised by Cape Town City. Yet, the leniency of the punishment has drawn criticism. There’s a growing sentiment that the league missed an opportunity to uphold competitive fairness by not enforcing a points deduction.
While the legal avenues appear exhausted, those affected may still explore the possibility of appealing the decision. Though, there is no official indication of that yet.
All Eyes on the New Season
As the MTN8 gets underway without Kaizer Chiefs and with Cape Town City now relegated, attention shifts to how the affected teams will respond. Gallants, having dodged the ultimate sanction, must now refocus their efforts on rebuilding trust and performing in the new season.
Meanwhile, Chiefs are left to regroup and ensure they’re not relying on legal technicalities to save their campaign in the future. For Cape Town City, the road ahead in the lower division will be challenging. However, the club will look to bounce back stronger and more determined.
In the end, while the legal battle may be over, the sense of injustice continues to linger.
Related article: Kaizer Chiefs Open 2025/26 PSL Season Aiming for Redemption Against Sundowns